Dyslipidemia Management in the Middle East: Recommendations for Overcoming Challenges and Enhancing Outcomes With Pitavastatin

Pitavastatin, indicated for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is particularly beneficial for patients who experience side effects with other statins. When used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as ezetimibe, pitavastatin can enhance LDL-C reduction, improving patient outcomes and facilitating achievement of LDL-C targets. This paper reviews the available literature on the use of pitavastatin for cardiovascular (CV) protection in patients with dyslipidemia, drawing on both published evidence and insights from lipidologists and cardiologists who participated in an advisory board. It highlights pitavastatin’s effectiveness in managing dyslipidemia and its potential to mitigate CV complications, particularly in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Feedback from practicing healthcare providers across several countries in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Jordan, emphasizes the importance of early intervention and achieving optimal LDL-C levels to reduce CV risk. It also underscores the relevance of adhering to international guidelines for dyslipidemia management in regional clinical practice. This paper offers practical recommendations to address challenges and improve the management of dyslipidemia in the Middle East through the use of pitavastatin, with the aim of achieving LDL-C targets and reducing CV events.