Plaque burden, microstructures and compositions underachieving very low LDL-C levels. Issue 2 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kataoka, Yu; Andrews, Jordan; Puri, Rishi; Psaltis, Peter J.; Nicholls, Stephen J.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes and obesity. Volume 24:Issue 2(2017:Apr.)
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: intravascular imaging -- low-density lipoprotein cholesterol -- plaque microstructures; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; Diabetes Mellitus -- Periodicals; Endocrine System Diseases -- Periodicals; Endocrine Glands -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; Endocrinologie -- Périodiques; Diabète -- Périodiques; Obésité -- Périodiques; Diabetes; Endocrinology; Obesity; Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-296X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: To summarize the impact of lowering LDL-C on plaque progression, microstructures and compositions. Recent findings: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major therapeutic target to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Intravascular imaging has elucidated antiatherosclerotic effects of lowering LDL-C in vivo . Intensive control of LDL-C with a statin has been shown to slow plaque progression and induce its regression if very low LDL-C level is achieved. This therapeutic approach has been also demonstrated to modulate plaque microstructures and compositions. These mechanistic insights on intravascular imaging support the benefit of lowering LDL-C in achieving better cardiovascular outcomes. Summary: Lowering LDL-C level has become the first-line therapy in the primary and secondary prevention settings. The effects of lowering LDL-C on plaque progression, microstructures and compositions will be reviewed in this article.