End-organ damage in hyperlipidemias

Epidemiological and experimental data have clearly demonstrated a strong association between elevated LDL-cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease. In concordance lipid-lowering trials with statins have shown a significant reduction of cardiovascular events. Although stroke is mainly caused by atherosclerotic vascular events, epidemiolgical data have so far failed to show a significant relationship between elevated lipid levels and stroke incidence. However, recent lipid intervention trials with statins have clearly demonstrated a significant reduction in stroke incidence. Moreover, elevated cholesterol levels are thought to contribute to progression of chronic renal insufficiency. In addition, cholesterol crystal emboli are a rare but frequently serious complication of vascular catheter interventions. Significant hypertriglyceridemia carries a significant risk of acute pancreatitis and is thought to contribute to the development of fatty liver disease.