13.03 Lipid Modulating Drugs

High levels of cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) or dyslipidemia (altered levels of cholesterol, some up, some down) lead to atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia is commonly associated with diabetes. Atherosclerosis can cause myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke, often ultimately leading to death. Atherosclerosis can also contribute to angina, heart failure or cerebrovascular disease, which can also be deadly, often after progressing to heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerosis is not the only risk factor for most of these conditions. For instance, other risk factors for coronary heart disease are age, family history of premature coronary heart disease including diabetes, cigarette smoking, and obesity.