Retrospective Evaluation of the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Atorvastatin

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the lipid-lowering effects, particularly changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, associated with atorvastatin use in a typical outpatient family medicine practice.

Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

A community-based family medicine residency program.

Patients:

One hundred twenty-three patients with hyperlipidemia.

Interventions:

Treatment with atorvastatin to meet National Cholesterol Education Program (Adult Treatment Program) II goals.

Main Outcome Measures:

Fasting lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Results:

Atorvastatin lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. HDL cholesterol was essentially unchanged from baseline to follow-up. In a subset of patients (∼50%), HDL cholesterol decreased by 13.1%. In the remainder of patients, HDL cholesterol increased by 10.7%. The decrease of HDL cholesterol was as much as 24 mg/dL.

Conclusions:

Atorvastatin is an effective agent for lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In a subset of patients, atorvastatin appeared to lower HDL cholesterol. Close monitoring of HDL cholesterol concentrations while patients are receiving atorvastatin is important.