Role of Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Goal Attainment: Focus on Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a common cause of death, accounting for nearly half of the global burden of CV mortality. Epidemiologic studies have identified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as an independent CV risk factor, and this is now the primary target for initiating and adjusting lipid-lowering therapies in most current guidelines. Evidence from pivotal studies supports the use of high-intensity statin therapy and a lower level for optimal LDL-C in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CV disease, especially in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, current research has identified a gap between the target LDL-C goal attainment and target LDL-C levels recommended by the guidelines. Statins have proven benefits in the management of CV disease and are the cornerstone of lipid-lowering management in patients with ACS. Recent randomized controlled trials have also demonstrated the benefits of cholesterol absorption inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors. This review summarizes the current evidence for LDL-lowering therapy in patients with ACS, with an emphasis on the importance of LDL-C goal attainment, rapid LDL-C lowering, and duration of LDL-C–lowering therapy.