There are several lifestyle changes that are the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease. These include adopting a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, quitting smoking, and beginning a regular exercise program. If these fail, or are insufficient, drug treatment is often the next treatment option.

There are several categories of drugs used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The regimen chosen for a particular patient depends on the nature of their cardiovascular problem and any other medical conditions they may have.

Often, treatment for elevated serum cholesterol is administered as a preventative, before a patient ever exhibits symptoms of heart disease. The ability to reduce cholesterol via drug therapy is an important adjunct to lifestyle changes, and can be of great benefit when such changes by themselves are insufficient. However, such...