Role of Ezetimibe and Statins in Dyslipidemia Patients

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of premature mortality globally. It is associated with significant morbidity and socioeconomic burden henceforth numerous initiatives have been taken to lower the risk in patients through preventive measures. The pathogenesis and progression of nearly all cardiovascular diseases are primarily caused by atherosclerosis and the association of cardiovascular disease risk to dyslipidemia is well-established since it increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, managing cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein, to reduce the burden of atherosclerotic plaque and, potentially, future cardiac complications, has been a key component of preventive measures. Due to its simplicity in dosage, lack of significant medication interactions, and favourable safety profile, statins have been the gold standard therapy for the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, the need for combined therapy arises when statin medication alone is insufficient to effectively reduce increased cholesterol levels. Ezetimibe is frequently added to regimens to support cholesterol reduction by preventing cholesterol absorption. Combinations of statin and ezetimibe may be a beneficial treatment choice for high-risk individuals who necessitate further lowering of cholesterol. Studies in the literature demonstrate that statin plus ezetimibe combined therapy is more beneficial and safer than high-intensity statin monotherapy, which implies that adding ezetimibe to statin should be favoured over increasing statin dose and that high-intensity statin is needed to be administered more carefully, especially in patients with related risks. The purpose of this research is to review the role of ezetimibe and statins in dyslipidemia patients.