Autumn 2025 (In Press)                   Back to the articles list | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.18502/jabs.v15i4.19733

XML Print

Additive Effects of Ezetimibe and Statins in Managing Elevated LDL-C: An Approach to Reducing Cardiovascular Risk
Narges Yaghoobi1 , Mojtaba Farjam2 , Babak Pezeshki *3
1- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
2- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
3- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran , babakpezeshki@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (9 Views)
Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While statins are the cornerstone of LDL-C-lowering therapy, their long-term use may result in dose-dependent adverse effects. Ezetimibe, a Niemann–Pick C1-Like 1 inhibitor, reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption and complements the reduction of hepatic cholesterol synthesis achieved through statin therapy. Evidence from major trials, including IMPROVE-IT, SHARP, RACING, and EWTOPIA 75, demonstrates that combination therapy achieves greater LDL-C reduction and provides modest improvements in clinical outcomes compared with statin monotherapy, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. The early initiation of combination therapy may permit the use of lower statin doses, thereby reducing adverse effects such as insulin resistance and hepatotoxicity. The co-administration of ezetimibe with statins, when implemented alongside guideline-recommended strategies, represents a rational and patient-centered approach for high-risk individuals. This strategy offers enhanced lipid control and improved safety outcomes relative to statin monotherapy.
Keywords: LDL, Ezetimibe, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Cardiovascular Diseases, Hyperlipidemias
     
Type of Study: Letter to the Editor | Subject: Pharmacology
Received: 2025/07/14 | Accepted: 2025/09/27
Send email to the article author

Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.