Statin therapy and prevention of stroke

Recent trends in lipid management: raising the bar and shifting the goalposts?

The National Heart Foundation of Australia, in conjunction with the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, updated its Lipid Guidelines at the end of 2001, but on-going modification is anticipated to stay abreast of the rapid progress in this field. Research at all levels re-affirms the fundamental importance of lipid metabolism in many physiological and pathological processes. In addition, clinical trials such as the recent Heart Protection Study broaden the indications for intervention. The present review summarizes recent advances and analyzes emerging attitudes towards diagnosis and management that will influence future recommendations and practice.