Cholesterol management in patients with heart disease

PREVIEW

The controversy over whether lowering cholesterol levels in patients with coronary heart disease is beneficial has now been resolved. Numerous studies have shown that cholesterol-lowering therapy can prolong the lives of even those with advanced disease. In this article, Dr Grundy reviews the clinical evidence supporting use of drugs to lower serum cholesterol levels and discusses the various therapeutic options, with emphasis on when to begin therapy and who should take the lead in initiating cholesterol management in patients with coronary heart disease.