Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Assessing the benefits of lipid-lowering therapy
1Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Insights
Lipid-lowering therapy effectively prevents coronary artery disease. Landmark studies like 4S and WOSCOPS have eased safety concerns regarding these treatments for dyslipidemia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Growing evidence supports lipid-lowering therapy for coronary artery disease (CAD) prevention.
- Management of dyslipidemia is recommended for at-risk patients.
- Early studies raised safety concerns regarding lipid intervention due to mortality rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiologic evidence for lipid modification in CAD prevention.
- To discuss important clinical trials and meta-analyses.
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lipid-modifying treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic data.
- Analysis of landmark clinical trials (e.g., 4S, WOSCOPS).
- Inclusion of meta-analyses on lipid-lowering therapy.
Main Results:
- Substantial evidence now supports lipid-lowering therapy for CAD prevention.
- Key studies (4S, WOSCOPS) have addressed and alleviated safety concerns.
- Lipid modification is increasingly endorsed for at-risk populations.
Conclusions:
- Lipid-lowering therapy is a safe and effective strategy for preventing coronary artery disease.
- Evidence from major trials supports its use in managing dyslipidemia.
- Cost-effectiveness further supports the implementation of these treatments.
Abstract:
In recent years, a substantial body of evidence has emerged to support the use of lipid-lowering therapy in the prevention of coronary artery disease, and many physician groups have endorsed the management of dyslipidemia in at-risk patients. An important consideration in such endorsements has been the issue of the safety of lipid intervention; many early primary- and secondary-prevention studies reported either no reduction in all-cause mortality rates or an increase in non-coronary artery disease mortality rates in treated patients. These observations raised serious concerns about the safety of such therapy. However, 2 landmark studies, the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (4S) and the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS), have contributed greatly to alleviating these concerns. In this article, a review of the epidemiologic evidence supporting the use of lipid modification will be presented, including important trials and meta-analyses, and the cost-effectiveness of lipid-modifying treatment will be discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Atherosclerosis III: Management

