Cholesterol Pharmacology Flashcards
What effect does a 10% reduction in cholesterol have on CHD mortality?
It reduces it by 15%
What effect does a 10% reduction in cholesterol have in total mortality?
11% reduction
What is the primary target to prevent CHD?
LDL cholesterol
What does the intensity of cholesterol intervention depend on?
Total CV risk
What are the pro-atherogenic effects of oxidated LDL?
- Inhibits macrophage motility
- Induces T-cell activation and VSMC divison/differentiation
- Toxic to endothelial cells
- Enhances platelet aggregation
What are the classes of lipid lowering drugs?
- Statins
- Cholesterol lipase inhibitors
- Nicotinic acid
- Fibrates
- Resins
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Give a statin
Simvastatin
Give a cholesterol lipase inhibitor
Ezetimibe
Give a fibrate?
Fenofibrate
Give a resin
Colestyramine
Give an omega-3 fatty acid
Omacor
What are the actions of statins?
- Inhibits cholesterol synthesis in hepatocytes
- Increase clearance of IDL and LDL
- Decreases production of VLDL and LDL
What are the indications for the use of statins?
- CV risk prevention in CVD and diabetes
- Famlial hypercholesterolaemia
What are the potential adverse drug reactions of statins?
- Increased transaminase levels
- Myopathy
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Arthralgia
- Headaches
What % of patients treated with statins develop increased transaminase levels?
0.1-2.5%
By how much can statins increase transaminase levels?
Can increase >3x the upper normal limit, especially at higher doses
Can increased transaminases due to statin use be reversed?
Yes, rapidly reversible
Does increased transaminase levels due to use of statins cause liver disease?
No
What myopathies can be caused by statins?
- Diffuse muscle pain
- CPK > 10x upper normal limit
When are myopathies due to statin use primarily seen?
When higher doses of statins are used in combination with cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, and occassionally erythromycin and niacin
What are some secondary benefits of statin treatments?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Plaque reduction
- Improved endothelial cell functions
- Reduced thrombotic risk