Lipid management

Question 1

What is the first line therapy for elevated LDL cholesterol?

Answer 1

Statins.

Question 2

For which patients should the initiation of statin therapy be considered?

Answer 2

Type two diabetes, who have an LDL cholesterol >2.5 mmol/L after interventions to modify lifestyle and improve blood glucose control.

Question 3

At what time of day is it best to take statins?

Answer 3

In the evening.

Question 4

Under what circumstances would you prescribe Ezetimibe?

Answer 4

For patients who are unable to tolerate statin therapy, or where a statin alone is inadequate.

Question 5

What is the indication for Fibrates in the treatment of dyslipidaemia?

Answer 5

For marked fasting triglyceride elevation, or mild triglyceride elevation with low HDL cholesterol.

Question 6

Which should be monitored when assessing a patient’s progress with statin therapy?

Answer 6

Serum lipids
Adverse effects
Liver function test
Creatine kinase (before commencing statin)

Question 7

What are some common adverse effects associated with statin therapy?

Answer 7

Gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, rash.

Myopathy and increased liver enzymes

Question 8

Which adverse effects of statins appear to be dose-related?

Answer 8

Myopathy and increased liver enzymes

Question 9

By what percentage do Statins reduce the level of LDL cholesterol?

Answer 9

30-50%