Statin therapy in South Asians-facts and future.

ABSTRACT

South Asians have higher overall burden of coronary heart disease. South Asian migrants suffer from more severe and fatal coronary heart disease at younger age despite similar risk factors compared with local population. Elevated blood cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis and heart disease and is one of the primary modifiable risk factor for these conditions. Since the discovery of a fungal metabolite that inhibits 3-hydroxy-3methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, statins have emerged rapidly as the global leader in medical therapeutics designed to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and had reduced mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease when used for primary or secondary prevention. Despite the considerable burden imposed by cardiovascular disease, South Asians remain inadequately targeted for risk-reduction strategies, including screening and treatment for dyslipidemia.