Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Perspectives on dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease in women: an update

Vera Bittner1

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. vbittner@uab.edu

Current Opinion in Cardiology
|October 21, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in women is strongly linked to dyslipidemia. While lipid-lowering therapies show benefits, undertreatment and poor adherence hinder their full potential in preventing CHD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Lipidology
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality in women globally.
  • Dyslipidemia is a significant modifiable risk factor for CHD in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review observational studies on lipoproteins and CHD risk in women.
  • To summarize randomized trials of lipid-lowering therapies in women.
  • To assess the clinical implementation of proven CHD therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials.
  • Analysis of lipid profiles, including apoprotein B/A-1 ratio and LDL particle size.
  • Evaluation of clinical practice patterns for dyslipidemia management.

Main Results:

  • Lipoprotein levels are strongly associated with CHD risk in women across diverse populations.
  • The apoprotein B/A-1 ratio is a key emerging risk marker, while small dense LDL particles' significance is debated.
  • Intensive statin therapy may offer additional benefits.
  • Despite progress, significant undertreatment and underdiagnosis of dyslipidemia persist.

Conclusions:

  • A strong link exists between dyslipidemia and CHD risk in women.
  • Lipid-lowering treatments are effective but underutilized due to diagnostic delays, provider under-prescription, and patient non-adherence.
  • Realizing the full potential of lipid-lowering therapies requires addressing these implementation gaps.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview01:17

Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview

Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart's blood supply dwindles, causing an ominous lack of oxygen and nutrients. This deficiency, stemming from reduced or obstructed blood flow, spells danger, leading to heart muscle damage and dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...