Rosuvastatin + ezetimibe: possibilities of usage in а novel coronavirus infection era

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, including Russia. Hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia, in particular, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), are the main reasons of developing and progression of ASCVD. Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) through management of high LDL-C with statins or their combination with other hypolipidemic agent is the main direction of improving of prognosis from ASCVD. The article deals with significance of target LDL-C in accordance with the latest recommendations as the main aim for LLT. According to EUROASPIRE (European Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events) IV and EUROASPIRE V projects, when using lipid-lowering medications, the frequency of reaching of target LDL-C level does not exceed 20–30%. Due to ICEBERG (prImary hyperCholEsterolemia at the outpatient level and the frequency of prescriBing statins with the achiEvement of the taRGet level of total cholesterol) study, the frequency of reaching of target total cholesterol level in Russia does not exceed 12%. Rosuvastatin is the most potent statin, monotherapy with which allows to reduce LDL-C level by 41 – 55.5%. Rosuvastatin, in addition to its powerful lipid-lowering effect, has pleotropic anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects that may be useful in patients with severe COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Combined LLT with one of the most potent statins rosuvastatin and ezetimibe seems to be an effective and safe strategy for achieving target lipid level in different populations of patients, can be successfully used in patients with different ASCVD, in elderly patients, and can be continued and helpful in comorbid patients with COVID-19. Since 2019, Rosulip Plus is available in Russia – a quantitative and proven combination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.