PCSK9i to reduce LDL cholesterol

  • The recently concluded International Diabetes Summit at the city-based Chellaram Diabetes Institute (CDI) shed light on the use of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

About PCSK9i:

  • The PCSK9i are a new class of injectable drugs that reportedly reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol levels by up to 60% when combined with a statin (another class of drugs prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels).

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol:

  • Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, abbreviated as LDL-c, is considered the ‘bad’ variant of cholesterol as it contributes to plaque deposition, leading to the hardening and narrowing of arteries or ‘atherosclerosis’ (thickening of artery walls owing to accumulation of white blood cells).
  • PCSK9 inhibitors are not available in India as of now, [but] they seem to be a promising mode of reducing risk of heart attacks.”

Source: The Hindu

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