Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 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

Systematic review on evidence of the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs

Abhaya Gupta1, Veronique Guyomard, M Justin S Zaman

  • 1Department of Medicine, West Wales Hospital, Carmarthen, Wales, UK.

Advances in Therapy
|June 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pharmacological agents effectively lower cholesterol, a key factor in coronary heart disease (CHD). Shifting population risk profiles can significantly reduce the global burden of CHD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading global cause of death.
  • Increasing urbanization and aging populations are projected to raise CHD risk factors like hypercholesterolemia.
  • This review examines pharmacological interventions for cholesterol lowering.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on the efficacy of pharmacological agents in managing hypercholesterolemia.
  • To assess the impact of cholesterol-lowering treatments on CHD risk.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search of PubMed/Medline from 1998-2009.
  • Selection of English-language papers using keywords related to hypercholesterolemia management and risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Over 3500 reports were identified, with key publications selected.
  • Evidence supports the use of various pharmacological agents for cholesterol reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple pharmacological options are available for hypercholesterolemia management.
  • Evidence supports population-level risk factor modification for reducing CHD.
  • A favorable risk profile has significant potential to decrease the global CHD burden.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...