[Lipid treatment in the period COVID-19]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic increased mortality risk for patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of lipid-lowering therapy in COVID-19 patients.
• Atherosclerotic CVD is prevalent in COVID-19 patients, particularly those at high risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the efficacy and safety of lipid-lowering therapy in COVID-19 patients.
• To evaluate the role of statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors in managing dyslipidemia during COVID-19.
• To provide guidance on continuing lipid-lowering treatments for vulnerable patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Literature review conducted in PubMed, CDC Reports, NIH, and NCBI SARS-CoV-2.
• Keywords used included COVID-19, statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, hypercholesterolemia, and hypolipidemic drugs.
• Analysis focused on efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of lipid-lowering therapies.

Main Results:

• Statins are recommended for continued use in COVID-19 patients due to efficacy, safety, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive effects.
• High-potency statins, ezetimibe, or PCSK9 inhibitors may be necessary for patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk.
• Patients on PCSK9 inhibitors should continue treatment for cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia patients with COVID-19 require aggressive lipid-lowering therapy.

Conclusions:

• Intensive lipid-lowering treatment is crucial for COVID-19 patients with atherosclerotic CVD, especially those at high risk.
• Combination therapy with statins, ezetimibe, and/or PCSK9 inhibitors plays a fundamental role in managing these patients.
• Continued lipid-lowering therapy is essential for improving outcomes and preventing cardiovascular events in COVID-19 patients.