Summary
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Lawrence H. Cohn, advisor and supporter of this Forum in addition to others in the The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums series.
For decades, statins have served as the “go-to” drug for patients with high cholesterol. Now, a new class of cholesterol-reducing drugs, PCSK9 inhibitors, just approved by the FDA, offers a possible alternative to statins. Adding to the changing landscape of cholesterol treatment are recommendations from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, issued in 2013, that dramatically expanded the number of people who could potentially receive statins to prevent heart attack or stroke. Together, these developments have renewed focus on cholesterol as a major health issue. What role might this new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs play? How might their cost impact access and insurance coverage? What lifestyle factors, especially dietary fats, influence the prevention and treatment of cholesterol-related risk factors?
Brief Video Highlight
Part of: The Dr. Lawrence H. and Roberta Cohn Forums.
Presented in Collaboration with Reuters and in Association with Harvard Health Publications
Background Articles
- Independent group finds new cholesterol drugs far too costly - Reuters
- Cholesterol Fact Sheet - CDC
- Cholesterol - National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
- Cholesterol Resource Center - Harvard Health Publications
- Managing Your Cholesterol - Harvard Health Publications
- Harvard Health Publications
Cholesterol l Greg Curfman, Editor in Chief l Post - The type of fat you eat matters
Image Credit: iStockphoto.com l janulla
