Prevalence and management of dyslipidemia in Koreans

Ahn Jong-Hwa, Jeong Young-Hoon
Cardiovascular Center, Changwon Gyeongsang National University Hospital
Choi soo mi, Ahn eun mi, Kang Sung Hyun, Lee Kang Hee
Division of Chronic Disease Prevention, Center for Disease Prevention, KCDC

Dyslipidemia is the main modifiable risk factor for progressing to atherosclerosis and developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Korea, the prevalence of dyslipidemia is increasing and its contribution to CVD is an emerging issue in Korean healthcare.
Screening for dyslipidemia is required in all adult men aged ≥ 40 years and in women aged ≥ 50 years or postmenopausal, particularly in the presence of other risk factors. There has been no confirmative evidence to support the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology recommendation for use of a high-dose statin in high-risk individuals, regardless of baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level. Dietary factors and exercise may influence atherogenesis directly or through effects on traditional risk factors. The degree of LDL-C reduction is dose-dependent and varies among statins. Although the LDL-C goals are attained with monotherapy in many patients, a significant proportion of high-risk subjects or patients with high LDL-C levels need additional treatment. In patients with statin intolerance, combination therapy should be considered.
There are important issues concerning the detection and treatment of dyslipidemia in Koreans. We need to develop a Korean practice guideline for management of dyslipidemia that considers cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit profiles of medications.

Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Cardiovascular disease, Diet, Statin, Guideline