Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
A current approach to statin intolerance
R Tompkins1, A Schwartzbard2, E Gianos2
1Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Insights
Statins effectively reduce vascular events and are recommended by new guidelines. Increased statin use may lead to more cases of statin intolerance, highlighting the need for better understanding and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Statins are primary treatments for lowering cholesterol.
- Clinical trials demonstrate statins significantly reduce vascular events like heart attack and stroke.
- Updated American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines will expand statin use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the anticipated increase in statin intolerance cases.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding and managing statin intolerance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing randomized clinical trial data on statin efficacy.
- Analysis of implications from updated ACC/AHA cholesterol treatment guidelines.
Main Results:
- Statins consistently reduce major vascular events.
- Expanded guideline recommendations will likely increase the number of patients prescribed statins.
Conclusions:
- Increased statin utilization necessitates a focus on managing potential statin intolerance.
- Further research and clinical strategies are needed to address statin intolerance effectively.
Abstract:
Statins are the first-line pharmacotherapy for cholesterol reduction. Use of these drugs in large randomized clinical trials has consistently shown significant reductions in major vascular events, including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization. The updated guidelines for the treatment of high blood cholesterol from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), will lead to an increase in the number of patients taking statins. Hence, the number of cases of statin intolerance may subsequently increase, emphasizing the need to understand and treat this important problem.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists

