Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Fourier-Based Diffraction Analysis of Live Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: September 13, 2017
Abstract:
A new group of hypolipidemic substances, i.e. PCSK9 protein inhibitors, is now coming into use in clinical practice, to what extent a high residual cardiovascular risk remains also in patients treated with statins. The FOURIER study (Further cardiovascular OUtcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition subjects with Elevated Risk) is the first "event" study which has shown that evolocumab (PCSK9 antibody) further significantly reduces serum LDL cholesterol and subsequently also cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: (a) composite primary goal (cardiovascular mortality, incidence of heart attacks, strokes, hospitalizations for unstable angina, coronary revascularization) by 15 % (p < 0.001), (b) secondary goal (cardiovascular mortality, incidence of heart attacks, strokes) by 20 % (p < 0.001), (c) the treatment effect increased with length of treatment, and (d) the treatment was safe. The study has therefore confirmed that further reduction of serum LDL cholesterol by means of evolocumab significantly reduces incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with elevated risk. This treatment is primarily needed for individuals with elevated cardiovascular risk.Key words: atherosclerosis - evolocumab - cardiovascular diseases - LDL cholesterol - PCSK9 inhibitors.
Insights
The FOURIER study shows evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, significantly reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. This treatment lowers LDL cholesterol, decreasing heart attacks and strokes, and is safe for long-term use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- High residual cardiovascular risk persists in patients treated with statins.
- PCSK9 protein inhibitors represent a new class of hypolipidemic agents.
- Evolocumab is a PCSK9 antibody developed to address this unmet need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of evolocumab in reducing cardiovascular events.
- To determine if further reduction of LDL cholesterol impacts cardiovascular outcomes.
- To assess the impact of evolocumab in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk.
Main Methods:
- The FOURIER study was an "event" study involving patients with elevated cardiovascular risk.
- Participants received either evolocumab or a placebo.
- Key outcomes included cardiovascular mortality, heart attacks, strokes, and revascularization procedures.
Main Results:
- Evolocumab significantly reduced the composite primary endpoint by 15% (p < 0.001).
- A significant 20% reduction in the secondary endpoint (cardiovascular mortality, heart attacks, strokes) was observed (p < 0.001).
- Treatment benefits increased with longer treatment duration, and the treatment was found to be safe.
Conclusions:
- Further reduction of LDL cholesterol with evolocumab significantly decreases cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.
- Evolocumab is a safe and effective treatment for individuals with elevated cardiovascular risk.
- PCSK9 inhibition with evolocumab represents a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular disease.
Related Concept Videos
Properties of Fourier Transform I
In radio broadcasting, multiple audio signals often need to be transmitted simultaneously. The Fourier...
Basic signals of Fourier Transform
The sinc function, defined as sinc(x) = sin(πx)/(πx), is particularly notable for its symmetry and behavior at...
Fast Fourier Transform
The computational efficiency of the FFT becomes...
Properties of Fourier Transform II
The Frequency Shifting property of Fourier Transforms highlights that a shift in the frequency domain corresponds to a phase shift in the time domain. Mathematically, if x(t) has...
Parseval's Theorem for Fourier transform
To understand Parseval's theorem, it is essential to first comprehend how signal energy is typically calculated. When considering a...
Discrete-Time Fourier Series
For a discrete-time periodic signal x[n]...

