Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering therapy in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease - UpToDate

Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people without established CVD. This approach to CVD prevention is called primary prevention. The rationale for LDL-C reduction is based upon clinical trial evidence that lowering of LDL-C in patients across a broad range of LDL-C levels reduces a patient's risk of CVD [1]. CVD in this context refers to fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, sudden cardiac death, coronary artery revascularization, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. The decision about whether to lower LDL-C with pharmacotherapy incorporates both LDL-C level and a patient's estimated 10-year CVD risk. These factors help guide shared decision-making (ie, risk and benefit) discussions between patients and their providers. This topic reviews the management and evidence for LDL-C lowering in patients for the purpose of primary CVD prevention. Such management and evidence

Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people without established CVD. This approach to CVD prevention is called primary prevention. The rationale for LDL-C reduction is based upon clinical trial evidence that lowering of LDL-C in patients across a broad range of LDL-C levels reduces a patient's risk of CVD [1]. CVD in this context refers to fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, sudden cardiac death, coronary artery revascularization, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. The dec