Fibrates are medications used to manage unhealthy blood fat levels, especially when diet and other treatments haven't been sufficient. They are typically used alongside a cholesterol-lowering diet. While both gemfibrozil and fenofibrate are fibrates, they have slightly different uses, and doctors choose between them based on your specific blood fat profile.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. After you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need right away into triglycerides. These fats are then stored in fat cells and used later for energy, such as between meals or during physical activity. In a way, triglycerides act as backup fuel for your body.

Reducing plaque has been shown to be associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke and by reducing plaque even by as little as 1%, there is as much as a 25% reduction in odds of adverse cardiovascular events.

Cholesterol has been a subject of debate in cardiovascular health. Despite its crucial role in various bodily functions, questions persist about its association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Colchicine has been a first-line medication for gout, a painful condition caused by too much uric acid in the blood, for many years. In June 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved low-dose colchicine (0.5 mg) under the brand name LODOCO. This approval marked colchicine as the first anti-inflammatory medication for preventing heart attacks and strokes in people with existing heart disease or multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

LoDoCo (low-dose colchicine) is the first anti-inflammatory medication that can lower the risk of cardiac events. Studies indicated that LoDoCo led to a significant 31% decrease in the risk of experiencing cardiovascular events.

Statins work by targeting a liver enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that's necessary for making cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the amount of cholesterol that is produced. Pruluent, on the other hand, works by blocking a protein (PCSK9) that is responsible for destroying LDL receptors, which help regulate cholesterol levels in the body. By blocking this protein, Praluent allows more LDL receptors to remove excess cholesterol from the body.

Red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In recent years, its use as a natural alternative to statins has become more popular with some small studies suggesting the red yeast rice supplements may be effective in reducing cholesterol levels.

Lipoprotein(a) particles are similar to LDL particles, but sticker than LDL, which means they are more likely to cause blockages in the arteries. High levels of lipoprotein(a) are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream, leading to elevated cholesterol levels. Approximately 1 in 250 individuals are affected by it, but only about 10% are aware they have it. This condition significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease at a younger age.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a most frequently used statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) to treat high cholesterol in the U.S. It comes in both high intensity and moderate intensity. Unlike other statins, atorvastatin can boost the number of LDL receptors in your liver cells, which then improves the absorption and breakdown of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Your liver is where the effects of this medication, such as the inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, are primarily seen.

Lovastatin functions by reducing the amount of cholesterol that may accumulate on your artery walls and obstruct blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs in your body. This is done by delaying your body's synthesis of cholesterol.

In 2015, PCSK9 inhibitors including Repatha became available as a brand-new class of cholesterol medications. Repatha is typically considered as an additional treatment option if statins are not effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels. However, it may be presribed by itself for patients with familial hypercholesterolimia (HeFH), a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol.

Nexletol is a medication used to treat high cholesterol. It is a newer drug that was approved by the FDA in February 2020. It contains bempedoic acid, which is a type of drug that works differently from statins, another medication used to lower cholesterol.

On February 21, 2020, a drug called Nexletol was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a non-statin cholesterol lowering agent. The drug is approved as an adjunct therapy along with diet or other cholesterol medications like a statin.

High levels of ApoB can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, as LDL particles containing ApoB can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. Therefore, measuring ApoB levels in the blood can be useful in assessing cardiovascular risk and monitoring the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering treatments.

Reducing inflammation to improve heart health. Explore the relationship between CRP and cholesterol as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks and strokes, is the leading cause of death globally. Many factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Two primary culprits are high cholesterol levels and inflammation.