Cardiometabolic impact of non-statin lipid lowering therapies.

Overview

Among the range of lipid modifying medications currently available, statins clearly stand as the primary agent capable of reducing cardiovascular risk. While non-statin lipid-lowering drugs improve lipid parameters, their impact on clinical outcomes is less clear, thus necessitating an even closer look at ancillary effects. Recent studies have reported the potential cardiometabolic effects of statins, yet considerably less information has been published about cardiometabolic changes associated with non-statin lipid-lowering agents. This review describes the cardiometabolic profile of non-statin lipid-lowering agents--fibrates, niacin, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, ezetimibe, and bile acid sequestrants--and therefore aims to facilitate informed decision-making in the pharmacologic management of lipid abnormalities.