Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
[LDL-Lowering Drugs: What Are the Options In 2023?]
Noé Corpataux1, Konstantinos Koskinas1
1Klinik für Kardiologie, Universitätsspital Bern, Bern, Schweiz.
Insights
Cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of death, are linked to cholesterol. Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) through lifestyle changes and medications like statins is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and lipidology.
- Pharmacology of lipid-lowering therapies.
Context:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary global cause of mortality.
- A direct correlation exists between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exposure and atherosclerotic CVD risk.
- Lifestyle interventions are fundamental for CVD prevention.
Purpose:
- To review the current landscape of lipid-lowering drugs.
- To assess therapeutic advancements in managing plasma LDL-C levels.
- To provide an overview of pharmacological options over 30 years post-statin introduction.
Summary:
- Evidence supports the efficacy of LDL-C reduction in mitigating cardiovascular risk.
- Pharmacological interventions offer a viable strategy to lower plasma LDL-C beyond lifestyle modifications.
- The article examines the evolution and current status of lipid-lowering medications.
Impact:
- Informing clinical practice regarding lipid management strategies.
- Highlighting the role of pharmacological therapies in reducing cardiovascular mortality.
- Providing a historical perspective on the development of lipid-lowering drugs.
Introduction:
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. There is a dose-dependent relationship between the absolute extent of exposure of the vascular system to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Meta-analyses confirm the beneficial effects of LDL reduction. In addition to lifestyle modifications, which remain the cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention, it is pharmacologically possible to lower plasma LDL levels. This article highlights where we stand with lipid-lowering drugs, more than 30 years after the first statins were used therapeutically.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Heart Failure V: Medical Management

