Summary

Cardiovascular disease, now the leading cause of death both in the United States and worldwide, is responsible for approximately 16.7 million deaths per year. In the past decade, widespread interventions, such as aspirin and statin therapy and smoking cessation, have contributed to a 29% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular mortality [Lloyd-Jones D et al. Circulation 2010]. However, the increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle has outpaced other benefits, leading to an increased risk for coronary heart disease (and myocardial infarction. This article discusses emerging trends in intensive lipid management.