Antilipemic Drugs and Cholesterol Management

Triglycerides

Primary lipid form, energy source stored in adipose tissue.

Cholesterol

Used to make steroid hormones and cell membranes.

Apolipoproteins

Specialized proteins that transport lipids in blood.

Lipoproteins

Complex of triglycerides, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins.

Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)

Transports endogenous lipids from liver to peripheral cells.

Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein (IDL)

Formed from VLDL after triglyceride loss.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Carries cholesterol; excess leads to atherosclerosis.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

Recycles cholesterol; considered cardioprotective.

Cholesterol Homeostasis

Balance of cholesterol production and elimination.

Atherosclerotic Plaque

Fatty deposits in arteries leading to coronary artery disease.

Foam Cells

Macrophages filled with cholesterol; precursor to atherosclerosis.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Heart disease due to reduced blood flow from plaque.

Primary Prevention

Preventing first cardiac events in at-risk patients.

Secondary Prevention

Preventing subsequent cardiac events after initial event.

Dyslipidemia

Abnormal lipid levels in the blood.

Antilipemic Drugs

Medications used to lower blood lipid levels.

Statins

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; first-line for hypercholesterolemia.

HMG-CoA Reductase

Rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Class of drugs that bind bile acids to lower cholesterol.

Niacin

Vitamin B3; used to treat dyslipidemia.

Fibrates

Drugs that lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL.

Ezetimibe

Cholesterol absorption inhibitor; reduces blood cholesterol.

Lipid Profile

Measurement of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins.

Clinical Profile

Patient's age, sex, and risk factors for treatment decisions.

Lifestyle Modifications

Diet, weight, and activity changes to lower cholesterol.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Beneficial for triglyceride and HDL levels.

Adverse Effects

Unwanted side effects from medications, often mild.

Gastrointestinal Disturbances

Common mild side effect of statins.

Mild GI Disturbances

Common transient issues like nausea and bloating.

Myopathy

Muscle pain that can lead to rhabdomyolysis.

Cholesterol Absorption

Process inhibited by ezetimibe to reduce blood lipids.

Lipoprotein Lipase

Enzyme activated by fibric acid derivatives.

Fibric Acid Derivatives

Drugs like gemfibrozil that lower triglycerides.

LDL Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein, targeted by various therapies.

HDL Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein, increased by niacin.

Cholesterol Management

Includes pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies.

Constipation

Common side effect of bile acid sequestrants.

Aspirin Pre-medication

Minimizes flushing when taking niacin.

Family History

Important for assessing hereditary lipid disorders.

Serum Lipid Values

Measured to evaluate response to lipid therapy.

Drug Interactions

Potential risks when combining lipid-lowering medications.

Vitamin Supplementation

Fat-soluble vitamins may be needed long-term.

Monitoring Parameters

Includes liver and renal function tests.

Bile Acid Complex

Formed with resin, excreted in bowel movements.

Prothrombin Time

Increased risk with fibric acid derivatives.

Heartburn

Common adverse effect of bile acid sequestrants.

Flushing

Cutaneous reaction associated with niacin use.

Therapeutic Effects

Evidenced by normalized cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Cautions and Contraindications

Assess before initiating any lipid-lowering therapy.

Nonpharmacological Measures

Includes diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.