Intermediate
Technical
IVT
statin
A class of cholesterol-lowering medications that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase enzyme.
Full Definition
Statins are a class of lipid-lowering medications that work by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, thereby reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver. They are considered first-line therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention and are among the most prescribed medications worldwide. Common examples include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin. Statins have been extensively studied and shown to reduce major cardiovascular events by approximately 20-30% in both primary and secondary prevention settings.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Distinguish from other lipid-lowering drug classes.
In Context
- "The patient was initiated on high-intensity statin therapy following his myocardial infarction." — Clinical progress note
- "Statin intolerance was documented due to myalgia symptoms." — Medication review
Also known as
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Don't confuse with
fibrate
bile acid sequestrant