Advances in Lipid Therapy: The Role of Lipid Treatment in Women in Primary Prevention

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for women. Given the overall prevalence of CVD and its risk factors in women, primary prevention is an important focus. In 2013, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released guidelines for men and women on the treatment of blood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk (ASCVD) in adults based on randomized-controlled trials. Fixed and appropriate intensity of a statin based on calculation of an individual's risk of ASCVD or in diabetics or those with severely elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol patients for primary prevention is recommended rather than cholesterol level goals. A more recent consensus statement regarding the role of non-statin therapies has been released, but like the prior guidelines released in 2013, there were no sex-specific recommendations. An evidence-based approach to ASCVD prevention should be used in women.