[Gemfibrozil in the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders]

The study was made of gemfibrozil tolerance and effectivity against atherosclerosis and in correction of lipid metabolism in 20 patients with hyperlipidemia. (11 males and 9 females, a mean age 51 +/- 3.1 years). The assessment of the treatment efficacy was performed clinically, biochemically, using bicycle ergometry exercise. Eight weeks of gemfibrozil treatment in a dose 12-1.8 g/day produced a hypolipidemic effect in 90% of the patients which were mostly of IIb and IV genotypes. The highest efficacy was reported in lowering triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol. In less extent the drug reduced LDL cholesterol. Some of the patients became hypolipidemic by HDL cholesterol. It is concluded that in hyperlipidemic patients gemfibrozil improves the running of atherosclerosis without the effect on angina pectoris.