[End-organ damage in hyperlipidemias]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Metabolic Disorders
• Nephrology

Context:

• Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
• Lipid-lowering therapies, particularly statins, have proven effective in reducing cardiovascular events.
• The relationship between lipid levels and stroke incidence has been less clear, despite stroke's atherosclerotic origins.

Purpose:

• To review the established and emerging roles of cholesterol and triglycerides in cardiovascular and other diseases.
• To highlight the impact of lipid-lowering interventions on major adverse events.

Summary:

• Epidemiological and experimental data confirm a strong association between high LDL-cholesterol and CHD.
• Statin therapy significantly reduces cardiovascular events and, more recently, stroke incidence.
• Hypertriglyceridemia poses a risk for acute pancreatitis and fatty liver disease.
• Cholesterol crystal emboli are a serious complication of vascular interventions.
• Elevated cholesterol may contribute to chronic kidney disease progression.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of lipid-related disease risks and the benefits of lipid management.
• Emphasizes the importance of addressing dyslipidemia for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
• Underscores the expanding therapeutic targets within lipid metabolism for diverse health conditions.