[Lipidology update : Evidence-based treatment of dyslipidemia].

The treatment of elevated plasma lipids plays an important role in atherosclerosis prevention. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering with statins and, if required, additional inhibition is of the utmost importance. Lifestyle modification plays only a minor role in LDL cholesterol lowering. Absolute cardiovascular risk determines whether and at what intensity lipid lowering therapy should be implemented. Thus, in patients at very high risk, an LDL cholesterol level <55 mg/dl (<1.4 mmol/l) and a 50% reduction from baseline should be achieved. With respect to elevated triglyceride concentrations, treatment goals are less clearly defined, despite the fact that elevated triglyceride concentrations are causally linked to atherosclerotic events. Lifestyle modification can significantly reduce triglyceride concentrations and are often more effective than specific triglyceride lowering medications. New lipid lowering drugs still need to prove their clinical benefit in endpoint trials.