Current and emerging approaches to lowering patient cholesterol

High cholesterol is relatively common and there are many ways to go about trying to reduce the amount of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood, consisting of both pharmacological approaches and lifestyle changes. Though controversial, the most widely used approach, used in combination with diet and exercise, is statin therapy. However, there are many other treatments available to help manage cholesterol in order to prevent more serious health events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. In addition to the mainstays, research is ongoing into alternative options, particularly for the benefit of those people who are having little success with existing approaches.

Recently approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), inclisiran may be a ‘game changer’ for people who have previously had a heart attack or stroke. NICE (2021) issued guidance on the 1 September that recommended the new anti-cholesterol drug, inclisiran (Leqvio, Novartis), for people with primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia, who have already had a cardiovascular event such as a myocardial infarction or stroke.