The new "lower is better" lipid goals: are they achievable with today's drugs?

Both the newly revised Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) guidelines developed by the National Cholesterol Education Program and prospective trials indicate that lowering serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to levels of less than 100 mg/dL is beneficial to minimize the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the risk of acute coronary events is related not just to lipid levels, but also to inflammatory pathophysiologic processes that heighten the risk of plaque rupture. Statin therapy effectively lowers LDL-C to target (optimal) levels, and the newer formulas are proving to provide greater reductions. In addition, research demonstrates that statins also counteract thrombosis, reduce inflammation, improve endothelial function, block plaque formation and progression, and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in ischemic tissues. Global risk reduction-including diet, exercise, weight loss, and drug therapy are keys to minimizing CHD events.