Statin Case Study: Answers to Questions on Statin Therapy

Running head: STATIN CASE STUDY
Question Answers on Case Study
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1STATIN CASE STUDY
Answer 1
Statins are also called HMG-CoA reductase and show significant effects in reducing
cardiovascular diseases and associated mortality among people, who are at an increased
susceptibility of getting affected. The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease guidelines identified
4 statin benefit groups, based on the likelihood of a person of getting affected with
cardiovascular disorder (Thanassoulis et al., 2016). The 4 statin benefit groups are the following-
 Individuals suffering from clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, such as, acute
coronary syndrome, or history of myocardial infarction, anjina, stroke, peripheral arterial
disease, or TIA.
 Individuals of the age 40-75 years suffering from diabetes and with LDL-C levels in the
range 7.89 mg/dL (Ridker et al., 2012).
 Individuals with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≥190 mg/dL.
 People aged 40-75 years, without diabetes or ASCVD, with LDL-C 70-189 mg/dL, and
with a 10 year risk of 7.5% ASCVD.
An analysis of the case scenario suggests that the patient is 55 years old, diabetic with 7.2%
HbA1c levels, and has high cholesterol LDL-162 mg/dL. Thus, he falls under the two risks
namely, those with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≥190 mg/dL and suffering from
diabetes. Therefore, it can be stated that the patient is at a higher risk of developing
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorders in near future.
Answer 2
The statin drug therapy would be prescribed for this patient, in order to reduce the high
risk of cardiovascular disease. it will act as an effective treatment in treating elevated risk of the

2STATIN CASE STUDY
disorder. Common drugs that can be used for statin therapy include lovastatin, atorvastatin,
fluvastatin, and simavastatin. The statin drugs will help in lowering the level of cholesterol
present in blood, by reducing cholesterol production from the liver.
Statin drugs will act on the enzyme hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, and
block its action, thereby preventing cholesterol formation (Stone et al., 2014). Atherosclerosis
usually develops due to formation of cholesterol containing flux inside arteries. These plaques
create blocks in the artery, which in turn reduces blood flow to the cells and tissues. Reduction in
cholesterol production will slow plaque formation and reduce the size of plaques. This in turn
will help in preventing complications of atherosclerosis. To prevent high cholesterol levels, 20-
80 mg of statin will be administered once daily, depending on the generic names (Ridker et al.,
2012). The maximum dosage that can be administered is 80 mg, which will be given twice a day
in the form of 40mg capsules.
Answer 3
There are several tests that can be conducted in order to identify therapeutic effectiveness
of the statin drug therapy. In order to monitor success of the treatment, an initial fasting lipid
profile test should be conducted. It will help in giving an estimate of the total lipid profile, by
measuring the amount of high density and low density lipoprotein. This should be followed by
conduction of lipid tests at an interval of 4-12 weeks, followed by every 3-7 months. Laboratory
results will help in assessing authority to the drug therapy. A reduction in LDL-C Buy an
average 30-50% will indicate effectiveness of the statin drugs.
The patient should also be evaluated for the need of increasing dosage intensity of statin,
if the cholesterol levels do not get reduced. The baseline serum lipase level will also help in