RT Book, Section A1 Panus, Peter C. A1 Jobst, Erin E. A1 Masters, Susan B. A1 Katzung, Bertram A1 Tinsley, Suzanne L. A1 Trevor, Anthony J. SR Print(0) ID 6093870 T1 Chapter 26. Antihyperlipidemic Drugs T2 Pharmacology for the Physical Therapist YR 2009 FD 2009 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-146043-9 LK accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=6093870 RD 2023/06/07 AB Atherosclerosis is the abnormal accumulation of lipids and products resulting from an inflammatory response in the walls of arteries, and is the leading cause of death in the Western world. Heart attacks, angina pectoris, peripheral arterial disease, and strokes are common sequelae of atherosclerosis. In some cases, lowering serum lipid concentrations has been shown to prevent the sequelae of atherosclerosis and decrease mortality in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia. The five drug classes discussed in this chapter (Figure 26–1) are used to decrease serum concentrations of lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia) and to prevent or reverse associated atherosclerosis, or, in the case of hypertriglyceridemia, prevent pancreatitis. Although the drugs are generally safe and effective, adverse effects include drug–drug interactions and rare toxic reactions in skeletal muscle and the liver.