An update on lipid-lowering therapy

New information on the effects of lipid-lowering drugs is reviewed with an emphasis on special groups that benefit from specific drug therapy. Although it has been shown that the diet may further enhance the effectiveness of lipid-lowering drugs, compliance to diet and drugs remains an important issue and the large individual variations in dietary responses should be studied more extensively. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors are safe and effective in different populations such as in women, elderly people and in special cases of secondary hyperlipidaemia. More widespread implementation of screening programmes to identify suitable patients for lipid-lowering therapy may help prevent the excess utilization of health care resources.