Novel Targets that Affect High-Density Lipoprotein Metabolism: The Next Frontier

As the significance of treating coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a high priority in reducing morbidity and mortality worldwide, newer treatment strategies continue to evolve. The efficacy of statin therapy in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular events is well established. Yet, addressing residual macrovascular risk becomes a compelling rationale for proposing that pharmacologic therapy targeted at low concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a rationale target for enhanced management of CAD. This article reviews current options for the therapeutic management of HDL cholesterol, including discussion of novel agents aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risk in patients with low levels of HDL cholesterol. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2009; 104[suppl]:52E-57E)