Recent trials of lipid lowering

The global burden of coronary artery disease has pushed lipid-lowering therapy to the forefront of medical management of this condition. Recent clinical trials have compared the efficacy of more intensive lipid lowering with statins against the normal standard of care. Other agents such as fibrates, glitazones, which also favourably modify lipid levels have also been assessed recently. This narrative review summarises the key recent clinical trials of lipid lowering since 2004 and their implications for future patient care.