Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP

Panelists discuss how the initiation of statin therapy requires careful consideration of contraindications and patient-specific factors, particularly in those with liver disease, renal impairment, or advanced age, while noting evolving treatment patterns toward more intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)–lowering therapies based on individualized risk assessment.

Panelists discuss how statin therapy for primary prevention requires careful consideration of cardiovascular risk factors against potential adverse effects such as myalgia and liver abnormalities, generally favoring treatment when the calculated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD] risk exceeds 7.5% to10% and adjusting recommendations based on individual patient factors including age, comorbidities, and preferences.

Host Craig Beavers spoke with Arthur Allen, PharmD, for the latest updates from the RIVAWAR trial and the newest ACS guidelines.

Panelists discuss how evolving clinical guidelines for intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)–lowering therapies have shaped personalized treatment approaches through risk stratification, with different targets for primary vs secondary prevention and consideration of genetic factors when determining appropriate statin intensity.

Panelists discuss how cardiology practice has evolved toward more aggressive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)–lowering strategies across specialties, with current guidelines generally recommending targets below 70 mg/dL for high-risk patients and even lower thresholds (below 55 mg/dL) for very high-risk individuals, though these targets require personalization based on age, comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Host Craig Beavers speaks with Steven Dunn about the latest ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Host Craig Beavers spoke with several presenters, researchers, and experts about the key data being discussed at the meeting.

Pharmacy Times will be on-site in Chicago, Illinois from March 29 through 31.

This new podcast will explore the latest evidence, practices, and innovations in the world of cardiovascular care from a pharmacist's point of view.

Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP, discusses how maximally tolerated statin therapy often fails to achieve target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in high-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and share strategies for optimizing adherence, including when to switch therapies to improve patient outcomes.