Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering with drugs in patients with cardiovascular disease (secondary prevention)*

* Secondary prevention patients include those with coronary artery carotid, aorta, or peripheral artery disease.
¶ In some cases it may be appropriate to start at a lower dose and uptitrate.
Δ The clinician is expected to use his or her independent medical judgment in the context of individual circumstances to make adjustments, as necessary. "Significant" will vary from patient to patient and depends on many factors such as overall cardiovascular risk, likely compliance with a recommendation for additional therapy, or co-morbidities. Refer to relevant UpToDate topic reviews.
◊ High-risk secondary prevention patients include those with acute coronary syndrome in the past year, familial hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or 4), repeat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event, or the need for revascularization while on statin.