Joanne is a 60-year-old patient with an LDL of 132 and a family history of coronary artery disease. She has already tried diet changes (increased fiber and plant sterols) to lower her LDL and after 6 months her LDL is slightly higher. The next step in her treatment would be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given Joanne's family history of coronary artery disease and her inability to sufficiently lower her LDL through diet changes, a statin would be the most appropriate next step in treatment. Clinical guidelines generally recommend statin therapy for patients with an intermediate or high risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes individuals with a family history of the condition. Statins are well-established as safe and effective for lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Niacin and fibric acid derivatives may also be considered as adjunct therapies, but are typically not first-line treatments. Sterols are dietary supplements that may help manage cholesterol levels, but are not as potent as medications like statins.

Joanne Is a 60-Year-Old Patient with an LDL of 132