Lipid pharmacotherapy for treatment of atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: For more than two decades, lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol has formed the cornerstone of management of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The substantial residual risk of clinical events in patients treated with statin therapy highlights the need to develop more effective strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk. AREAS COVERED: Current and future approaches targeting dyslipidemia and inflammatory factors implicated in atherosclerosis are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Considerable efforts to further reduce levels of atherogenic lipoproteins provide additional strategies to lower cardiovascular risk. In contrast, it remains to be determined whether targeting protective lipid factors or inflammatory mediators of atherosclerosis will be clinically beneficial.