Atherosclerosis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A 58-year-old male presents with exertional chest pain that resolves with rest. Coronary angiography reveals a stable atherosclerotic plaque causing significant luminal narrowing. Which of the following therapies is most effective for reducing future cardiovascular events in this patient by targeting the underlying pathophysiology of atherosclerosis?
A. Aspirin
B. Metoprolol
C. Atorvastatin
D. Nitroglycerin
E. Furosemide
Answer and topic summary
The answer is C. Atorvastatin
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of arteries marked by endothelial dysfunction and accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris in the vessel wall. Most lesions remain asymptomatic for decades and cause symptoms only when plaques significantly narrow or rupture.
Clinical manifestations depend on the affected vessels:
- Coronary arteries: angina, myocardial infarction
- Cerebrovascular: transient ischemic attack, stroke
- Peripheral arteries: claudication, critical limb ischemia
Key risk factors
- Elevated LDL
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
Management: primarily risk-factor modification, especially lipid-lowering with statins, which are one of the most effective therapies for prevention and treatment.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Cardiology ⇒ ⇒
