Reducing the residual risk of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase inhibitor therapy with combination therapy

Combination therapy for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is often indicated as a significant number of patients receiving 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy continue to have high residual risk. Combination drug therapy is also indicated for patients at high risk, including those with combined hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia with diabetes mellitus. Effectively managing CAD and achieving optimal therapeutic targets, especially in patients at high risk, frequently requires the use of aggressive therapeutic interventions. In this article, the authors review the use of combination therapy as a strategy for risk reduction in CAD. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.