Managing dyslipidaemia in young adults

Abstract

Indians have early onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and acquire the risk factors at a younger age, and hence we need to aggressively address the management of dyslipidemia in the young. Cholesterol levels early in life will influence the development of atherosclerosis. Young atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients (18–40 yrs) should receive lipid-lowering drugs to reduce LDL-C<55 mg. Due to the asymptomatic nature of dyslipidemia, early screening will enable the implementation of management strategies which will decrease future cardiovascular events. In this review, we will provide insights into identifying and managing dyslipidemia in the 18–40 years age group (young adults). It is suggested that early detection and more aggressive management of dyslipidemia in young adults with or without risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, tobacco and central obesity, might reduce the risk of CV events occurring later in life. Although lifestyle modification is the mainstay of treatment (dietary recommendations, exercise, tobacco cessation, weight reduction, etc.) but in certain young adults we suggest use of statins in low dose or non-statin drugs if they have associated risk factors, LDL-C >160 mg or a high coronary calcium score. Young adults who are carriers of FH gene should receive aggressive lifestyle modification and appropriate antilipidemic therapy.