Cholesterol Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cholesterol, including details on high cholesterol, hdl, ldl, diet, risks.

Combination therapy in the management of mixed dyslipidaemia.

Cannon CP

Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. cpcannon@partners.org

Whilst statin monotherapy is often sufficient to reach LDL-C goals, treatment may not reach all lipid goals in individuals with mixed dyslipidaemia typically associated with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Double or triple combination therapy, which provides the opportunity to address multiple lipid abnormalities simultaneously, may be required to achieve targets in some patients. Addition of fenofibrate or niacin (nicotinic acid) to statin therapy is likely to be the first option, as recommended by national treatment guidelines; omega-3 fatty acids may also be useful. Careful monitoring is required when adding additional agents given the increased potential for drug interactions and side effects.

Published 7 March 2008 in J Intern Med, 263(4): 353-65.
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