Managing dyslipidaemia: evolving role of combination therapy.

Dyslipidaemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for coronary disease. Despite the availability of highly effective lipid-modifying agents, many patients still do not reach lipid targets established by national guidelines. This, in turn, has prompted a resurgence of the search for drugs and algorithms that favourably affect the lipid profile. The preventive efforts made so far have demonstrated that lowering low density lipoprotein-cholestrol is one action that individuals and populations can do with significant success in delaying the onset of clinical events, but at the same time one should not neglect high density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels as they also play a significant role in the risk of developing complications. Combination regimens should be considered for use in patients who fail to meet target values and are compliant with their current therapy. Although the use of combination therapy varies considerably across the globe, this treatment strategy is becoming increasingly more common as treatment guidelines recommend more aggressive therapy in order to achieve lower target cholesterol goals.