Cardiology Conference-CVC 2026

Lipid therapies are essential to the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the management of elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides, is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

The following are key therapies that lower lipids:

Statins: Statins are first-line therapy for lipid management. Statins lower LDL cholesterol levels, stabilize plaques, and lower the risk of CVD events.

PCSK9 inhibitors: In addition to statins, PCSK9 inhibitors are newer injectable therapies intended for familial hypercholesterolemia or statin-intolerant patients. PCSK9 inhibitors lead to substantial LDL reduction.

Fibrates: Fibrates target elevated triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. They may be appropriate for specific patient populations.

Ezetimibe: Eteziimibe inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the gut, and is commonly used in conjunction with statins for the enhanced effect.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglycerides and confer cardiovascular benefits when prescribed with other therapies.

Lifestyle interventions to implement multimodal adjunctive pharmacotherapy can include a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, appropriate weight maintenance, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. These strategies can help improve overall cardiovascular health, and can have a positive effect on lipid levels and profiles.

Regular blood tests to monitor lipid levels also offer a way to guide therapy adjustments to achieve the greatest reduction in cardiovascular risk. Treatment approaches that personalize pharmacotherapy based on comorbidity and risk profiles improve efficacy and safety.

By utilizing lipid medication therapies to work in conjunction with the incorporation of lifestyle changes, the clinician is better positioned to mitigate progression of atherosclerosis, and prevent cardiovascular disease.