Lipid Lowering Drugs

Question 1

LDL vs HDL

which one’s good? which one has more cholesterol?

Answer 1

HDL is the good one (recycles cholesterol)

LDL has more cholesterol

Question 2

CAD stands for what, and is measured with what ratio?

Answer 2

Coronary artery disease, LDL:HDL ratio

Question 3

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (or statins)
what do
name one
adverse effects

Answer 3

lower cholesterol production in liver

they target the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, thereby causing the liver cells to take up more LDL inside them so there’s less in the plasma

atorvastatin

AEs: muscle pain, elevations in liver enzymes may lead to liver injury, do NOT use in pregnancy

Question 4

Grapefruit juice _____ statin effects

Answer 4

enhances (especially lovastatin) by inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme