LARGE BODY OF EVIDENCE supports a central role for lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Randomized controlled trialshaveestablishedthatstatin-mediated reductions in LDL-C have a favorable effect on the incidence of cardiovascular events. 1-6 As a result, LDL-C lowering has become an integral component of therapeutic strategies in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. 7 In particular, the use of statins has become widespread. Recent studies have reported that highdosestatintherapyresultsinanincrementalbenefitcomparedwithamoderatelipidlowering strategy. 8-11 Some investigators havesuggestedthatstatinsalsohavepleiotropic properties, such as modulation of inflammationwithinthearterialwall,that maycontributetotheirbeneficialeffect. 12-14 Accordingly,mostauthoritiesandcurrent national guidelines emphasize reduction in LDL-C as the primary target for lipidlowering therapy.
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