Management of dyslipidemia: an update

Despite the wealth of clinical evidence that demonstrates a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease with the use of various lipid-lowering therapies, many patients in the United States are untreated or inadequately treated with these agents. Although the most recent treatment guidelines developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program provide detailed information regarding risk assessment of patients and desired lipid and lipoprotein goals, practitioners need to stay current on any emerging data that may have a significant impact on the management of patients with dyslipidemia. Over the past 2 years, the results of several clinical trials that may prompt the initiation of lipid-lowering therapy in a broader range of patients have been published. This article reviews the findings of these important clinical trials and provides some insight as to how these findings can be incorporated into clinical practice.