Publisher's Synopsis
Drugs in Context is an independent, peer reviewed and practice orientated review of all the significant data on a specific drug, placed in the context of the disease and clinical practice setting. Atorvastatin Editorial: "Within the space of a decade, the treatment of raised serum cholesterol has moved from the province of a few specialists to the very heart of everyday medical practice." Disease Overview: "Raised cholesterol, in particular low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), appears to be a pivotal risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD)." Drug Review: "More patients receiving atorvastatin at its initial dose (53%) achieved their NCEP target LDL-C levels than patients receiving initial doses of simvastatin (38%), lovastatin (28%), pravastatin (15%) or fluvastatin (15%)." Improving Practice: "The burden of cardiovascular disease in the UK is large and is likely to increase as the population ages. At current rates, nearly half the population will die from a cardiovascular cause and so the problem impacts on all healthcare professionals."