Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the West, and dyslipidemia is considered to be one of their key risk factors. The majority of CVD cases could be prevented by effective management of dyslipidemia. The use of new biomarkers like apolipoproteins as part of extended lipid profiles may be among the most significant new tools for such a task.
Dyslipidemias
Dyslipidemias cover a broad spectrum of lipid abnormalities. Clinicians have so far paid maximum attention to elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Many other types of dyslipidemias, however, also appear to enhance the risk of CVD.
Lipid metabolism can become imbalanced or disturbed in several ways, resulting in changes to plasma lipoprotein function and thereafter to the development of atherosclerosis. Many patients who have high cardiovascular risk still have unfavorable lipid profiles.
Given the fast-growing interest in lipidology, clinicians have sought ways to apply evidence-based medicine daily in dyslipidemia management. There are several lipid guidelines from professional societies in different parts of the world to diagnose and make assessments of dyslipidemia.
The role of apolipoproteins
In recent years, both Europe and the US have witnessed revisions in CVD guidelines and in the approach to lipid profiling. One major new area of attention is the role of apolipoproteins.
