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LDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis: The evidence

Carlos Guijarro1, Juan Cosín-Sales2

  • 1Unidad de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España; Departamento de Especialidades Médicas y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, España.

Clinica E Investigacion En Arteriosclerosis : Publicacion Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola De Arteriosclerosis
|May 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

High LDL cholesterol is a primary cause of atherosclerosis, a major global killer. Recent genetic and clinical studies confirm that lowering LDL cholesterol is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Disease Research
  • Genetic Epidemiology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of global mortality, has long been associated with lipid levels.
  • Despite extensive evidence, the role of hypercholesterolemia in atherosclerosis development has faced recent scrutiny.
  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a critical public health concern worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent genetic and clinical evidence on the role of LDL cholesterol in atherosclerosis.
  • To reaffirm the etiological significance of LDL cholesterol in atherosclerotic development.
  • To emphasize the importance of LDL cholesterol lowering in managing cardiovascular complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent Mendelian randomization genetic studies.
  • Analysis of randomized clinical trials focused on LDL cholesterol reduction.
  • Synthesis of experimental, epidemiological, and clinical evidence.

Main Results:

  • Recent genetic studies unequivocally support the causal role of LDL cholesterol in atherosclerosis.
  • Randomized clinical trials demonstrate significant cardiovascular risk reduction with LDL cholesterol lowering.
  • Evidence consistently validates the lipid theory of atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • LDL cholesterol is definitively established as a key etiological factor in atherosclerosis.
  • Lowering LDL cholesterol is the cornerstone of effective lipid-lowering therapy for ASCVD.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting LDL cholesterol are crucial for reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications.

Keywords:
Aleatorización mendelianaAterosclerosisAtherosclerosisClinical trialsColesterol LDLEnsayos clínicosLDL cholesterolLipid theoryMendelian randomizationTeoría lipídica

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