Nonstatin therapy to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improve cardiovascular outcomes

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol being a causative risk factor. Though statins have a decades-long track record of efficacy and safety, nonstatin agents may be used to reduce LDL cholesterol as an adjunct or alternative to statin therapy. Several new nonstatin medications have been approved in recent years, with robust data from clinical trials supporting their use in atherosclerotic disease. This review addresses the indications, evidence, and important prescribing considerations for using nonstatin lipid-lowering therapy and proposes a practical approach for determining when to initiate nonstatin therapy.