Approach to the diagnosis and management of lipoprotein disorders

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although the severe genetic hyperlipidemias are relatively infrequent, prompt recognition and treatment can prevent complications, such as atherosclerosis and pancreatitis. The secondary dyslipidemias, due to medication or other metabolic disorders (hypothyroidism, renal or hepatic diseases), must be identified and treated. With the growing epidemic of obesity, dyslipidemias are a component of the metabolic syndrome.

The stratification of cardiovascular risk now includes family history and biomarkers of inflammation, especially high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, which enables sound clinical decision making. Lifelong hypercholesterolemia is strongly associated with increasing risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease death, but the decision to treat pharmacologically depends on the absolute cardiovascular risk over the next 10 years. Clinical trial data support intensive treatment of patients at high cardiovascular risk or for the secondary prevention of recurrent coronary heart disease. The recently published JUPITER trial shows that patients with an elevated C-reactive protein benefit from treatment with a statin (rosuvastatin 20 mg) for primary prevention.

The current guidelines for the prevention of coronary artery disease will continue to focus on the determination of global risk, with intensive treatment aimed at the high-risk group. Family history and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein provide additional risk stratification.