A 53-year-old man comes to the office as a new patient. He feels well. He has type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with metformin. Routine colonoscopy screening from 2 months ago showed diverticulosis. His maternal aunt died from myocardial infarction at the age of 63 years. He does not smoke cigarettes and drinks three to four 12-oz beers weekly. He is 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall and weighs 70 kg (154 lb); BMI is 24 kg/m2. His blood pressure is 120/68 mm Hg. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show: Serum Total cholesterol 185 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol 45 mg/dL
LDL cholesterol 122 mg/dL
Triglycerides 140 mg/dL
Which of the following lipid-lowering agents would be most effective for preventing future cardiovascular events in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Although low HDL concentration is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, the use of medications to raise HDL levels does not improve cardiovascular outcomes.  HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) lower total cholesterol and LDL levels.  Statins are the most effective lipid-lowering drugs for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, regardless of baseline lipid levels.

A 53-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office as a New