Pharm Section 4 Flashcards
functions of cholesterol
responsible for proper cell membrane synthesis and the formation of bile acids and steroid hormones
rate limiting step in cholesterol formation
mevalonate
formed by acetyl CoA and catalyzed to HMG-CoA reductase
cholesterol synthesis pathway
acetyl Coa > HMG CoA reductase > mevalonate > farnesyl pyrophosphate > squalene > cholesterol
cholesterol and transportation
hydrophobic, must be transported in blood by hydrophilic lipoproteins
most cholesterol in plasma normally carried in what form?
LDL; low density lipoproteins; “bad cholesterol” associated with increased risk of CAD
apoB
apolipoprotein B; apoB binds lipids to LDLs and acts as ligand to “unlock” cell membranes to allow LCL inside; it is responsible for carrying cholesterol to tissues
the more apoB, the more atherogenic
test for apoB amounts
“Berkeley” cholesterol test
HDL cholesterol
high density lipoprotein; “good cholesterol” because low HDL traditionally seen as strong risk factor for CAD. Recent data is challenging this.
triglycerides
carried in chylomicrons, VLDL (very low), and IDL (intermediate)
ATP IV guidelines (new 2013)
do away with specific goals (numbers) for LDL and instead categorize patients into four groups of primary and secondary prevention patients. Recommend “intensity” of tx for each prevention group in order to achieve desired LDL cholesterol reduction. No evidence to support specific target. May increase people on statins by 70 million in US (1/2 US pop 40-75).
ATP four new guideline documents include…
- tx of blood cholesterol in adults
- assessment of CV risk
- lifestyle management to reduce CV risk
- management of overweight and obesity in adults
ATP IV new risk categories for hyperlipidemia patients
- with CV disease; 40-75 years old; >=7.5% calculated risk for MI or stroke within 10 years
- with hx MI, stroke, angina, PAD, TIA, or revascularization
- 21 and older with LDL level of 190mg/dL or higher
- 40-75 years old with type 1 or 2 diabetes
ATP IV new guidelines for assessment of CV risk
focus on atherosclerosis as chronic disease that extends beyond the heart
ATP IV new guidelines for lightly management to reduce CV risk
recommendations cover evidence related to dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and levels/types of physical activity
ATP IV new guidelines for management of overweight/obese adults
BMI as quick, first screening step for wright loss counseling; waist circumference as indicator for T2 diabetes, CVD, all-cause mortality; new recommendations for BMI cutoff for treatment recommendations (was BMI30 or [25 +2comorbidities], now BMI25 and 1 comorbidity)
AACE response to ATP IV guidelines?
they reject the new guidelines and question their scientific basis. say certain at-risk populations will be underserved by new guidelines
Metabolic syndrome
–formerly syndrome X
–describes patients with three or more of: …obesity (waist circ >40in M/ >35in F)
…dyslipidemia (triglyceride >150; HDL <40 M/ <50 F)
…HTN (>135/85 mmHg)
…diabetes (FBG >110mg/dL)
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are also called…?
statins
most widely used drugs for dyslipidemia
first statin drug
lovastatin (Mevacor); 1987
how do statins work?
inhibit cholesterol synthesis
inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis), which aids in removal of cholesterol from blood
how is ubiquinonse/coenzyme Q10 related to cholesterol? what might it be related to?
other side of the pathway for cholesterol production
deals with muscle properties, so may be related to myopathy side effects of statins
may be helpful to give statins with CoQ10 supplement
statin impact on LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations
lower plasma concentration of LDL
lower total cholesterol
reduce levels of triglycerides
increase levels of HDL
statins must be taken for how long?
indefinitely. if stopped, cholesterol will return to baseline within a few weeks
statins may be beneficial for what non-CV conditions?
improved endothelial function
decreased platelet aggregation
reduced inflammation
seven statin drugs available include…?
lovastatin (Mevacor) simvastatin (Zocor) Pravastatin (Pravachol) Fluvastatin (Lescol) Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Rosuvastatin (Crestor) Pitavastatin (Livalo)
statin combo drugs include…?
Vytorin (simvastatin and ezetimibe)
Liptruzet (atorvastatin and ezetimibe)
Simcor (simvastatin and ER Niacin) no more
Caduet (atorvastatin and amlodipine)
comparison between statin drugs…
which to choose?
- -rosuvastatin a little more potent
- -simvastatin don’t use more than 40 mg
- -if fail to achieve cholesterol goals with less potent statin, switch to more potent drug
- -CAD pts with hard LDL goals, max dose of atorvastatin
- -pravastatin totally hydrophilic, not metabolized or excreted @liver (may have fewer interactions, side effects)
- -Asian descent, 2 fold inc in concentrations of rosuvastatin–use in lower dose in asians
effect of doubling dose of statin?
only increases LDL reduction by 5-7%, but probably doubles the side effects
statins and pediatrics
most statins approved in kids
recommended screening beginning at 2 and tx for kids over 8
statins and pregnancy
statins are contraindicated in pregnancy
which statins should you take in the evening?
those with shorter 1/2 lives
lovastatin (2hr 1/2 life); fluvastatin (<3hrs); simvastatin (<5hrs)
which statins should you take in the morning?
those with longer 1/2 lives
atorvastatin (14hrs); rosuvastatin (19 hrs); pravastatin (22hrs)
all statins except _______ can be taken without regard to meals
lovastatin (should be taken with dinner)
adverse effects of statins?
all are contraindicated in pregnancy
liver monitoring no longer required
primary concern: myopathy
other concerns: myalgia, myositis, rhabdomyolysis
statins and myopathy
considered in any pts with diffuse myalgia, muscle tenderness, weakness, increase in CPK/CK,
> 10 ULN levels indicate myopathy
symptoms usually resolve apron 2 mo after discontinuing statin, can restart same statin at lower dose or try new one
can also be due to hypothyroidism, low CoQ10 levels, vitamin D
FDA recommendations in relation to inc risk of muscle damage with statins?
providers should restrict prescribing max dose of a statin
drug interactions and myopathies related to statins
protease inhibitors for HIV and hep C and statins may cause renal failure assoc with rhabdo
greater risk if administered with P450 inhibitors like azole antifungals, amiodarone, and fabric acid derivatives
statins and rhabdomyolysis
breakdown of skeletal muscle protein myoglobin with leakage of muscle contents into the circulation. can infiltrate kidneys and cause toxic reaction, obstruction (block O2 supply).
characterized by tea-colored urine, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain
15% acute renal failure
8% mortality
<0.001% cases annually with statins
also crush injuries, overexertion, alcohol abuse
statins and diabetes
statins may cause small inc in risk of raising blood glucose levels
ADA still recommends mod-high dose statins. Risk shouldn’t stop diabetics from taking statins.
statins and confusion (cognitive decline)
2012-statin use could affect memory, attention span, etc.
2015- meta-analysis says no significant worsening of cognitive capacity
2015-statin and non-statin LDL meds associated with acute memory loss within 30 days, but confounded by fact that they see MD more, more likely to detect memory loss
statins and cataracts
risk of developing cataracts increased by 27% in those taking statins (2013)
other studies did not find association
efficacy of statins
average about 1/3 reduction in incidence of cardiovascular events (coronary heart disease)
statins after heart surgery
anti-inflammatory effects of statins may mitigate inflammation and other risks (fib in CABG) associated with extended time under anesthesia
benefits outweigh risks
statins effect on serious vascular events
they reduce serious vascular events by 20% regardless of heart disease status
statin recommendations for elderly (esp men)
97% between 65 and 77 and 100% of men in that age group should consider taking statins to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke
statin recommendations for adults under 75 with risk factors
low-moderate dose statins for those 40-75 with CVD risks
no evidence to suggest whether or not those younger than 20 should be screened for lipid disorders