Key result
Early intensive LDL-C lowering is proposed to regress atherosclerosis and prevent later cardiovascular events.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Determine if evidence supports interventions to prevent development of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events and death. RECENT FINDINGS: An extensive body of evidence supports the fundamental causal role of apolipoprotein B lipoproteins in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown that LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-cholesterol levels in early adults are associated with accelerated subclinical atherosclerosis and an excess of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events later in life. Animal and human data have shown that intensive LDL-C lowering can regress earlier stages of atherosclerosis. SUMMARY: The next research priority is evaluating the impact of lowering LDL-C earlier in life to regress early atherosclerosis, followed by trials to demonstrate this approach will eradicate later-life ASCVD events and death. This approach of curing atherosclerosis will likely be the most effective strategy for reducing the huge global burden of atherosclerosis.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wilkins et al. (2019) conducted a review in Atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Intensive LDL-cholesterol lowering was evaluated. Intensive LDL-cholesterol lowering earlier in life is proposed as a potentially effective strategy to regress early atherosclerosis and eradicate later-life cardiovascular events and death.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: