Cracking the Code of Cholesterol: Mastering Non-Statin Therapies in Cardiovascular Medicine

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Explain the role of statins in managing hypercholesterolemia.

3. List and describe the adverse effects and contraindications of statin therapy.

4. Outline and discuss the use of non-statin lipid-lowering therapy in cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. despite public health initiatives. Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for developing CVD, and strong clinical evidence supports the use of statin therapy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, statin therapy is not always feasible for all patients due to contraindications and adverse events. Statin intolerance occurs in 5-20% of patients, particularly older adults. Thus, healthcare professionals need to learn about non-statin lipid-lowering agents to provide alternative therapeutic pathways for patients with statin intolerance.

This course will delve into the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic vascular diseases and identify biological targets for drug intervention. It will also cover various non-statin treatment options, their clinical applications, and potential adverse effects, providing healthcare professionals with comprehensive insights into managing hyperlipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk.