Integrative Strategies for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Synergy between Lifestyle Modifications and Pharmacotherapy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.53.69368Keywords
Cardiovascular disease, Dyslipidemia, Lifestyle modification, Pharmacotherapy, Physical activity, Mediterranean dietAbstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, primarily driven by atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated atherogenic lipoproteins, represents a key modifiable risk factor in both primary and secondary prevention.
Objective: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the integrative management of dyslipidemia, emphasizing the combined role of lifestyle modifications: physical activity, dietary patterns, weight management and established and emerging pharmacological therapies.
Methods: A narrative review of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) guidelines, as well as peer-reviewed literature, was conducted. The analysis focused on lipid metabolism, nutritional strategies, physical activity, and lipid-lowering therapies ranging from statins to novel siRNA-based agents.
Results: Lifestyle interventions are the foundation of cardiovascular prevention. Regular physical activity (150–300 min/week) and weight reduction in obesity lead to meaningful improvements in lipid profiles. Dietary modifications, particularly reducing saturated fats and improving fat quality, contribute to lowering LDL-C and triglyceride levels. In patients at high or very high cardiovascular risk, lifestyle measures alone are frequently insufficient, necessitating pharmacotherapy, primarily statins, with add-on agents such as ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, or inclisiran to achieve lipid targets.
Conclusion: A comprehensive strategy integrating sustained lifestyle modification with intensified pharmacotherapy provides the greatest reduction in CVD risk. Understanding the synergistic effects of these interventions may improve long-term adherence and overall treatment effectiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Weronika Mstowska, Ewa Byjoś, Mateusz Zbylut, Karolina Bury, Katarzyna Fabiś, Kamila Milewska, Sylwia Buczek, Patrycja Mateja, Hanna Naliuka, Katarzyna Młynarczyk
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