Beyond Statins: 2015 was a benchmark year for lipid lowering research
For 30 years, statins have been the most effective lipid-lowering medication and the only class of drug that improves cardiovascular mortality in randomized trials. However, despite intensive LDL reduction, a portion of patients taking statins still experience cardiovascular events. Many other patients experience side effects with statins, or the drugs do not effectively bring their LDL to goal. But soon, we may have another option. In June, results from the 10 year IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) were published, showing ezetimibe in combination with simvastatin decreases more cardiovascular events than simvastatin alone in a high-risk...
Read More
