Dyslipidaemias

Question 1

What are dyslipidaemias?

Answer 1

Conditions characterised by abnormal lipid levels in the bloodstream

Question 2

What lipid abnormalities are commonly associated with dyslipidaemias?

Answer 2

Elevated total cholesterol
Elevated Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

Question 3

What are the target values for total cholesterol?

Answer 3

Less than 5.0 mmol/L

Question 4

What are the target values for HDL cholesterol in men and women?

Answer 4

Men: Greater than 1.0 mmol/L
Women: Greater than 1.2 mmol/L

Question 5

What is the target value for LDL cholesterol?

Answer 5

Less than 4.0 mmol/L

Question 6

Why is maintaining target lipid levels important?

Answer 6

To reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Question 7

What are the two classifications of dyslipidaemias?

Answer 7

Primary Dyslipidaemia
Secondary Dyslipidaemia

Question 8

What causes primary dyslipidaemia?

Answer 8

Inherited mutations, commonly in the LDL receptor gene

Question 9

What is a common condition associated with primary dyslipidaemia?

Answer 9

Familial hypercholesterolemia

Question 10

What 3 factors are associated with secondary dyslipidaemia?

Answer 10

Dietary indiscretions
Other medical conditions
Side effects of medications

Question 11

What 2 dietary habits can contribute to dyslipidaemias?

Answer 11

High in saturated fats
High alcohol consumption

Question 12

Name 5 additional risk factors for dyslipidaemias.

Answer 12

Smoking
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Kidney or liver disease
Genetic predisposition

Question 13

What total cholesterol level may raise suspicion of dyslipidaemia?

Answer 13

Exceeding 7.5 mmol/L

Question 14

What is the primary treatment goal for individuals at high cardiovascular risk?

Answer 14

Reduce LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) by at least 50% from baseline

Question 15

What is the first-line therapy for dyslipidaemias?

Answer 15

Statins (e.g., atorvastatin or rosuvastatin)

Question 16

What is the mechanism of action of statins?

Answer 16

Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reducing hepatic cholesterol production

Question 17

What are 2 common adverse effects of statins?

Answer 17

Headache
Gastrointestinal disturbances

Question 18

What 3 precautions should be taken when using statins?

Answer 18

Hepatic impairment
Renal impairment
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Question 19

What are the 2 common adverse effects of ezetimibe?

Answer 19

Gastrointestinal disturbances
Headaches

Question 20

What is the mechanism of action of ezetimibe?

Answer 20

Inhibits the NPC1L1 transporter in the small intestine, reducing cholesterol absorption

Question 21

Ezetimibe should be avoided during breastfeeding. True or False?

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What 3 drugs can interact with statins?

Answer 22

CYP450 inhibitors
Amlodipine
Clarithromycin

Question 23

True or False: Ezetimibe can potentiate the effects of warfarin.

Answer 23

True

Question 24

If statins are contraindicated or not tolerated, what is the indicated alternative?

Answer 24

Ezetimibe

Question 25

What are the high-intensity doses for atorvastatin and rosuvastatin?

Answer 25

Atorvastatin: 40–80 mg Rosuvastatin: 20–40 mg

Question 26

What is a significant consideration when prescribing atorvastatin versus rosuvastatin?

Answer 26

Atorvastatin is preferred in older individuals and certain populations due to lower risk of adverse events

Question 27

What are 3 more serious but rare adverse effects associated with Statin use?

Answer 27

Muscle aches and myopathy Rhabdomyolysis Drug-induced hepatitis

Question 28

Mnemonic : 5 total, 4 LDL, 1/1.2 HDL

Answer 28

TC less than 5.0 mmol/L LDL less than 4.0 mmol/L HDL should be greater than 1.0 mmol/L in men and 1.2 mmol/L in women

Question 29

Statin AE Mnemonic: D-HARM

Answer 29

Drug induced Hepatitis Headache Abdominal Disturbances Rhabdomyolysis Muscle aches/myopathy

Question 30

Statin Interactions Mnemonic: DIG MAC

Answer 30

Diltiazem Itraconazole Grapefruit juice Macrolides Amiodarone Clarithromycin

Question 31

Ezetimibe Precautions & Interaction Mnemonic: B-P and C-FW

Answer 31

B-P - Avoid in breastfeeding and caution in pregnancy C-FW - Ciclosprin, fibrates and warfarin