[Dislipidemia and lipid lowering drugs: from guidelines to clinical practice. An updated review of the literature.]

The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) represents the leading cause of death and disability not only in countries with a high degree of socio-economic development but also in low- middle-income countries. The study of atherosclerosis and the strategies to control ASCVD are evolving. All strategies emphasize the need to lower LDL cholesterol through an appropriate lifestyle and the use of lipid-lowering drugs. A therapy with statin with or without other lipid lowering drugs is recommended in secondary prevention. In primary prevention, the use of the lipid-lowering drug should instead take into account the cost-benefit ratio. Available evidence coming from clinical trials is useful to inform clinical choices but must be associated with a shared decision-making process between doctor and patient.