Statins

Question 1

What are VLDLs?

Answer 1

Triglycerides

Question 2

_____ initiate and fuel development of atherosclerosis

Answer 2

LDLs

Question 3

Atherogenesis is considered primarily a chronic inflammatory process, that involves in infiltration of ________, _______ and other inflammatory mediators

Answer 3

macrophages
T lymphocytes

Question 4

a condition where fatty substances, cholesterol, and other materials build up in the walls of arteries, forming plaques. These plaques can narrow and harden the arteries, restricting blood flow

Answer 4

Atherosclerosis

Question 5

The arterial lumen refers to the inner space of the artery where blood flows. LDLs enter the ______ cells, which are specialized cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels (including arteries). This movement of LDLs into the endothelial cells is a crucial step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Answer 5

endothelial

Question 6

The arterial _____ refers to the layer of cells underlying the endothelial cells, which forms the structural wall of the artery. Once inside the endothelial cells, the LDLs can move into the space between the endothelial cells and the arterial ______ [same as above].

Answer 6

epithelium

Question 7

What is the recommended routine screening of cholesterol?

Answer 7

At least every 5 years for adults 20 and over
Total
HDL (less than 40)
LDL (less than 100)
Triglycerides

Question 8

After getting a lipid panel, and factoring in other risk factors, a ____ year CHD risk will be calculated

Answer 8

10 year CHD risk

Question 9

What are therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) that are recommended to prevent heart disease (CHD)?

Answer 9

Smoking cessation
Diet
Exercise

Question 10

Which drugs are first-line for elevated cholesterol?

Answer 10

NONE. Therapeutic lifestyle changes are tried first.

Question 11

What drugs are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors?

Answer 11

Statins

Question 12

What are the 3 types of drugs to treat high cholesterol?

Answer 12

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Bile-acid sequestrants
Fibrates (reduces TGs)

Question 13

How long does it take for statins to start working?

Answer 13

The lipid lowering effects will begin 2 weeks after starting therapy, max 4-6 weeks

Question 14

What time of day are statins prescribed?

Answer 14

Daily at bedtime

Question 15

What are the therapeutic uses for statins?

Answer 15

-Hypercholesterolemia
-Prevention of CV events
-Post MI therapy
-Diabetes

Question 16

What are the adverse effects of statins?

Answer 16

Rare: Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis - muscle damage
Hepatotoxicity

Question 17

What levels are checked if there is worry about muscle damage (myopathy/rhabdomyolosis) after starting statins?

Answer 17

Creatinine kinase (high levels may indicate muscle damage) - may have to stop drug