Dyslipidemia – the known unknown

Overview

Dyslipidemia (DLP) is the most important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and, in the context of severe hypertriglyceridemia (TG > 10 mmol/l), a risk factor for the development of acute pancreatitis. The prevalence of DLP is very high, but their control, especially among the patients at highest risk, is often inadequate. When diagnosing DLP, we should always exclude its possible secondary aetiology (e.g. DLP in the context of hypothyroidism, diabetes, ...). Based on the assessment of the overall CV risk (according to SCORE2/SCORE2-OP or according to the comorbidities of the individual), target values for blood lipids, especially LDL-cholesterol, are determined according to the risk category. The basis of the management of DLP in the prevention of ASCVD is dietary and regimen measures, followed by adequate lipid-lowering therapy in indicated cases. As of April 2023, the portfolio of lipid-lowering medication has been expanded to include inclisiran (small interfering RNA against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)), which is administered directly in cardiologists‘ and internists‘ outpatient clinics, ensuring 100% adherence. In severe hypertriglyceridaemia, fibrate monotherapy may be indicated in addition to dietary and regimen measures; if this treatment fails, some patients may be offered lomitapide, volanesorsen or evinacumab as part of clinical trials or specific treatment programmes if very strict indication criteria are met.

Keywords:

dyslipidemia – cardiovascular risk – acute pancreatitis – atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – inclisiran