Utility of currently available modes of therapy in reaching lipid goals.

The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III lipid management guidelines emphasize the importance of matching the intensity of lipid modification therapy to each patient's risk of coronary heart disease. For many patients who are at low risk, nonpharmacologic interventions such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation can be effective lipid-lowering strategies. However, many patients require the addition of drug therapy to achieve lipid targets. Currently available lipid-modifying drugs include bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, nicotinic acid, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and statins. In addition, nonprescription agents such as plant stanols and sterols are available to modify plasma lipid levels. These agents can be used individually or coadministered to achieve lipid goals.