Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of dyslipidemia.

Atherosclerosis is a systemic diffuse disease that may manifest as an anglographically localized coronary, cerebral, mesenteric, renal, and/or peripheral arterial stenosis or as diffuse atherosclerosis. While relief of organ ischemia is frequently possible with percutaneous or surgical revascularization, this in itself does not alleviate the long-term risks of disease recurrence or modify the metabolic derangements that promote atherosclerosis. It is critically important to recognize the need for treatment of dyslipidemia and to institute necessary therapies. The complex role of lipoprotein abnormalities is well understood and the use of lipid-lowering agents (90% statins) is reviewed in both primary and secondary prevention. The clinical interaction with novel risk factors and the practical problems in patient management are discussed.