[Pharmacologic treatment of lipid metabolism disorders]

The aim of the treatment of dyslipidaemia is the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Dietary therapy is the first line in the management of hyperlipidaemia. Lipid-lowering drugs should be used in patients with an inadequate dietary response, with CHD and/or multiple CHD risk factors. The choice of drug depends on the lipid disorder type, the desired plasma lipids reduction and presence of contraindications. Lipid-lowering drugs-anion-exchange resins, nicotinic acid and acipimox, fibrates, statins, probucol and two new classes used in experimental studies (ansamycins and ACAT inhibitors) are presented. Antiatherosclerotic properties of statins are characterized.