抄録
We summarized the effects of drug therapy on hyperlipidemic patients, based on our clinical experiences and reviews of several international literatures.
In general, the following facts are known:
(1) Incidence of CHD can be reduced by lowering cholesterol, especially LDL-C.
(2) First, we must exclude secondary hyperlipidemia. Then, we should begin with diet therapy and, if it is not so effective, follow with antihyperlipidemic drugs.
(3) Incidence of CHD appears to be related more with an increase in LDL-C than a decrease in HDL-C.
(4) Some atherosclerotic lesi ons regress by therapy.
The following problems must be solved, particularly in Japan.
(1) Real efficacy of antihyperlipidemic drugs on atherosclerosis in Japanese must be investigated by long double-blind, controlled trials.
(2) The level of cholesterol not only to prevent atherosclerosis but also to induce regression of atherosclerotic lesions must be established in Japanese.
(3) It is important to develop effective and safe reatment (s) for intractable cases of various drug therapies.
