Hypercholesterolemia: Clinical and Therapeutic Implications (Atherosclerosis Reviews)

This volume highlights recent progress in devising strategies for the management of hypercholesterolemia. The studies presented show that the risk of atherosclerosis in individuals with high blood cholesterol levels can be substantially reduced by a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat, by elimination of high blood pressure and other factors that contribute to atherosclerosis, and by treatment with drugs that are highly effective in lowering plasma cholesterol. After reviewing the evidence that lipoprotein metabolism plays a central role in atherogenesis, the contributors analyze clinical trials of interventions aimed at lowering cholesterol and formulate new guidelines for lowering blood cholesterol and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Full consideration is also given to the significance of hypercholesterolemia as a public health problem. The latter portion of the book examines the mechanisms of action of drugs used to control plasma cholesterol and presents extensive studies comparing the efficacy of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, cholestyramine, and probucol.