Achieving lipid targets in primary care settings

Abstract

Achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals in clinical practice is still unsatisfactory. Furthermore, a significant residual risk remains, even after reaching LDL-C targets, in terms of both fasting and postprandial triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (quantity and quality) and small dense LDL particles. Statins are the first choice for treating lipid abnormalities. Other lipid-lowering agents can be administered when statins are not tolerated and if LDL-C targets are not reached. Furthermore, multifactorial treatment, including a statin, exerts several beneficial effects on cardiovascular and residual risk reduction. The role of novel developing lipid therapies in clinical practice remains to be established.