skip to main content

Post-ACS statin counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyCardiovascular TherapeuticsPost-ACS statin counsellingGPhC CRA

A man aged 70 years has been prescribed atorvastatin 80mg daily after a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. He asks whether he should stop it because his total cholesterol was not very high. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — It reduces further cardiovascular risk after ACS even when baseline cholesterol is modest

High-intensity statin therapy is used after acute coronary syndrome for secondary prevention, not simply to correct a single cholesterol value. The benefit relates to reducing future cardiovascular events and stabilising atherosclerotic disease. It is not an acute clot-dissolving medicine and does not replace other post-ACS medicines. The patient should be counselled on adherence and to report unexplained muscle symptoms.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS MI secondary prevention