Advances in Statin Therapy & Beyond in CVD (ASTC)

Book excerpt: CVD, or cardiovascular disease, is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood vessels. It is one of the most common causes of death. Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol of often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’, and statins reduce its production in the liver. Having a high level of LDL is potentially dangerous as it can lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries (NHS). Comprising nearly 1000 pages, this book is a comprehensive guide to the latest advances in statin therapy and its clinical application for cardiovascular disease. Divided into 29 sections, the text begins with clinical aspects of CVD, dyslipidemia (the imbalance of lipids such as cholesterol), and the use of statins for treatment. The next sections provide detailed discussion on the use of statins for different types of CVD, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, and more. The following chapters cover statin use for other systemic diseases such as obesity, kidney disease, diabetes, ocular disorders, skin conditions and many more. The book concludes with an insight into future therapies, with emphasis on PCSK9 inhibitors, a new treatment for lowering cholesterol in the blood.