Elevated plasma cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and various other plasma lipid imbalances (dyslipidemias) are major risk factors for coronary heart disease. Patients with hypercholesterolemia have elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which leads to atherosclerotic deposition of cholesterol in the arterial walls. As identified by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, lowering the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol plasma concentration effectively reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is essential for the prevention and management of coronary heart disease.