Cholesterol-lowering drugs as cardioprotective agents.

A detailed overview of the various forms of hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia that constitute a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and a detailed discussion of the various types of cholesterol-lowering drugs are presented. The importance of identifying the type of dyslipidemia with respect to the choice of treatment is emphasized, as is the use of nonpharmacologic intervention, i.e., diet, exercise, and weight loss. The appropriate use and benefits of bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, fibric acids, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, and probucol are individually discussed, whereas nonpharmacologic approaches used in conjunction with the drugs are recommended emphatically.