Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atheroscelerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults

Abstract

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance our body needs to build cell membranes, make certain hormones and produce substances that aid in the digestion of fat. Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your body: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL cholesterol typically makes up 60–70 percent of the total serum cholesterol in our body and is the primary target of therapy. A high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in arteries. Hyperlipidemia occurs when your blood has too many lipids (or fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Hypercholesterolemia means there is too much LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood,3 and that increases your risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.2 LDL-cholesterol levels of <100 mg/dL are considered optimal. At near optimal levels, 100–129 mg/dL, atherogenesis, the formation of abnormal fatty or lipid masses in arterial walls, occurs. At borderline high levels, 130–159 mg/dL, atherogenesis proceeds at a significant rate. At high levels, 160–189 mg/dL, and very high levels, ≥190 mg/dL, atherogenesis is accelerated.2 Two main factors causing hyperlipidemia are lifestyle and genetic predispositions. An inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) causes very high LDL cholesterol.1