Lipid Management Flashcards
What type of molecule is cholesterol?
Steroid.
Where is cholesterol primarily synthesized?
Liver and intestines.
What role does LDL-C play in atherosclerosis?
LDL-C crosses the endothelial barrier, becomes trapped, and forms plaque in blood vessels.
What are some key functions of cholesterol?
Regulates cell membrane fluidity, used for vitamin D production, steroid hormones, bile acids, and energy storage.
What can happen when a plaque disrupts or breaks?
It can lead to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus), potentially causing unstable angina or myocardial infarction (MI).
How does atherosclerosis affect cardiovascular disease risk?
As LDL-C levels rise, cardiovascular disease risk increases.
What are the cholesterol targets according to NICE guidelines?
Total cholesterol > 9 mmol/L or non-HDL > 7.5 mmol/L requires specialist assessment.
What LDL-C guideline does the European recommendation emphasize?
Lowering LDL-C reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
What is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)?
A genetic condition where high LDL-C levels are inherited.
How is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) inherited?
Autosomal dominant pattern.
What is the difference between heterozygous and homozygous FH?
Heterozygous FH inherits one mutated gene (more common), while homozygous FH inherits two (more severe).
What is the primary prevention treatment for patients without previous cardiovascular history?
Atorvastatin 20 mg daily if QRISK3 is 10% or more.
When is primary prevention offered?
Offered to all patients with T1DM aged more than 40 years, have had diabetes for more than 10years or established nephropathy or other CVD risk factors
When is primary prevention considered?
Consider T1DM aged 18-40.
What are patients aged 85 or over based on?
Clinical judgement, not QRISK3.
What are patients with CKD offered?
Atorvastatin 20mg.
What is the goal of treatment in primary prevention according to NICE?
Achieve a reduction of more than 40% in non-HDL-C levels.
What is the recommended treatment for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease?
Atorvastatin 80 mg daily.
What are the LDL-C and non-HDL-C targets in secondary prevention?
LDL-C ≤ 2.0 mmol/L and non-HDL-C ≤ 2.6 mmol/L.
How do statins work?
They inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
How do statins reduce LDL-C levels?
They increase LDL receptor expression on hepatocytes, promoting LDL uptake from the blood.
What is considered a high-intensity statin regimen?
A regimen that reduces LDL-C by more than 50%.