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Aggressive treatment of atherosclerosis: the time is now
1Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, Cardiology Fellowship Training Program, UCLA Preventative Cardiology Program, Division of Cardiology, UCLA Division of Cardiology 90095, USA. gfonarow@mednet.ucla.edu
Insights
Early treatment of atherosclerosis is crucial for high-risk patients and those with cardiovascular disease. Combination therapy including statins, aspirin, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers is recommended, alongside early statin initiation for hospitalized patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Atherosclerosis poses a significant risk for cardiovascular events.
- Early intervention is critical for managing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Patients with diabetes share a high CVD risk profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline optimal early treatment strategies for atherosclerosis.
- To emphasize combination therapy for high-risk cardiovascular patients.
- To guide management of patients hospitalized with cardiovascular events.
Main Methods:
- Review of current guidelines for cardiovascular disease management.
- Emphasis on combination pharmacotherapy.
- Recommendations for in-hospital treatment initiation.
Main Results:
- Combination therapy with statins, aspirin, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers is recommended for early atherosclerosis treatment.
- Statins should be initiated during hospitalization for cardiovascular events, irrespective of baseline lipid levels.
- Diabetic patients require management equivalent to those with established CVD.
Conclusions:
- Early and aggressive treatment of atherosclerosis is essential.
- Multidrug regimens are key for managing high-risk cardiovascular patients.
- Prompt statin therapy in acute cardiovascular events improves outcomes.
Abstract:
In patients with known cardiovascular disease and those at high risk for it, physicians must begin to treat atherosclerosis earlier, with combination therapy of statins, aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and beta-blockers. In those hospitalized with a cardiovascular event, a statin should be started in the hospital, regardless of lipid levels. Patients with diabetes should be treated as if they have preexisting cardiovascular disease.