Introduction

Figure 21.1 The heart is the primary organ of the cardiovascular system, controlling circulation and blood flow for the entire body. (attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY 4.0 license)

Chapter Outline

21.1 Introduction to Lipoprotein and Apolipoproteins

21.2 Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) and PCSK9 Inhibitors

21.3 Bile Acid Sequestrants, Fibrates, and Niacin

21.4 Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Lipids are fatty, waxy, or oily substances that have important roles in the body. Some of the most important ones are energy storage, regulation of body temperature, and hormonal regulation. Lipids are also an integral part of the cell membrane of each cell in the body. There are three types of lipids, which are differentiated by their chemical structure: triglycerides, sterols, and phospholipids. This chapter will focus on triglycerides and sterols and the drugs used to manage their elevations in the blood.