LDL-c lowering treatment impacts disease progression before clinical manifestation

Considering the increasing risk associated with accumulated LDL-c years of exposure and the observation that the impact of LDL-c lowering on the atherosclerotic disease process changes over time, it is key to lower LDL-c levels as early as possible, before the disease becomes clinically evident. At early stages of (subclinical) disease, plaques may still be resolved or development halted by LDL-c lowering therapy, and progression to more complex plaque may be prevented. Thus, adequate LDL-c lowering therapy can bring individuals to a lower risk level, which may positively divert their prognosis. Rather than treating disease and risk factors, focus should be redirected to keeping people healthy and preventing clinical manifestation.

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