Racing to Normal: A Case Report of Rapid and Notable Cholesterol Reduction With Statin and Ezetimibe Combined Therapy

Daniel Aparício1, Marta Costa1, Rui Marques1

  • 1Internal Medicine, Unidade Local de Saúde Viseu Dão-Lafões, Viseu, PRT.

Cureus
|April 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Severe mixed dyslipidemia requires early intervention. This case shows combination therapy and lifestyle changes significantly lowered lipids in a high-risk patient, reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe mixed dyslipidemia presents a significant cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Early and intensive lipid-lowering interventions are crucial for high-risk individuals.

Observation:

  • A 40-year-old patient with extreme dyslipidemia and high CVD risk was treated.
  • Initial therapy involved rosuvastatin, ezetimibe, fenofibrate, alongside lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, alcohol restriction, diet).

Findings:

  • Combined therapy led to significant lipid reduction over 16 months: Total Cholesterol 95 mg/dL, LDL-C 11.7 mg/dL, HDL-C 28.2 mg/dL, Triglycerides 275 mg/dL.
  • Atherosclerosis was present but without significant luminal stenosis; familial hypercholesterolemia was ruled out genetically.

Implications:

  • Early combination pharmacotherapy and lifestyle modifications are effective for managing severe dyslipidemia.
  • Aggressive lipid reduction in high-risk patients aligns with current treatment recommendations.
  • Continuous monitoring and personalized adjustments are key for long-term CVD risk reduction.

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