RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
A1 Lederman, Lynne
T1 Monoclonal Antibody to PCSK9 Offers New Approach to Treating Hypercholesterolemia
JF MD Conference Express
YR 2013
FD SAGE Publications
VO 13
IS 7
SP 16
OP 17
DO 10.1177/155989771307007
UL http://mdc.sagepub.com/content/13/7/16.abstract
AB Hypercholesterolemia, particularly an increased level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk. Individuals with genetic lifelong lower levels of LDL-C are associated with a reduced risk of CV events. In addition, the reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is proportional to the decrease in LDL-C over the time period of LDL-C reduction. Statins are often used to therapeutically lower LDL-C levels, but individuals with lifelong lower LDL-C levels due to genetic variants have three times the protection from CHD as do those who begin statin therapy later in life.