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Published on: September 15, 2018
Hypercholesterolemia As a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: Current Controversial Therapeutic Management
Arturo Zárate1, Leticia Manuel-Apolinar1, Renata Saucedo1
1Endocrine Research Unit, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.
Insights
Managing cholesterol levels is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Despite advances in cholesterol-lowering drugs and understanding, effective prevention of atherosclerosis remains a challenge, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Cholesterol is vital for steroid hormones and cell membranes.
- Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
- Historical research spans 200 years, from naming cholesterol to understanding LDL receptors and developing lipid-lowering drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical context and current challenges in managing hypercholesterolemia.
- To discuss the ongoing debate regarding optimal medical therapies for high cholesterol.
- To emphasize the multifactorial approach required for atherosclerosis prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical milestones in cholesterol and atherosclerosis research.
- Analysis of the evolution of pharmacological interventions for hypercholesterolemia.
- Synthesis of current recommendations for managing cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Despite numerous drug classes (fibrates, statins, ezetimibe, anti-PCSK9) and historical discoveries, cardiovascular disease morbidity has not significantly decreased.
- Controversy persists regarding the most effective medical therapy for hypercholesterolemia.
- Dietary recommendations concerning sugar and fat intake remain a key consideration.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive management strategies are essential for preventing atherosclerosis.
- These strategies should include controlling circulating cholesterol levels.
- Integrated approaches encompassing hypertension control, diabetes regulation, and dietary modifications are recommended.
Abstract:
Cholesterol is a precursor of steroid hormones and an essential component of the cell membrane; however, altered regulation of the synthesis, absorption and excretion of cholesterol predispose to cardiovascular diseases of atherosclerotic origin. Despite the recognition of historical events for 200 years starting with Chevreul naming "cholesterine"; later on, Lobstein coining the term atherosclerosis and Marchand introducing it, Anichkov identifying cholesterol in atheromatous plaque, and Brown and Goldstein discovering LDL receptor (r-LDL), as well as the emergence of different drugs such as fibrates, statins and cetrapibs during this decade promising to increase HDL, and the most recent, ezetimibe and anti-PCSK9 to inhibit the degradation of r-LDL, morbidity has not been reduced in cardiovascular disease. To date, the controversy continues regarding the best and appropriate medical therapy for hypercholesterolemia; likewise, there is the recommendation of a healthy dietary content regarding the amount of sugar as well as the type of fats, either saturated or polyunsaturated. Together, control of circulating cholesterol, amelioration of hypertension, regulation of diabetes, and dietary recommendations might prevent atherosclerosis.
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