What risk factors should be considered when determining whether to initiate statin therapy in adults 40-75 years of age?
When determining whether to initiate statin therapy in adults 40-75 years of age, risk factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and 10-year ASCVD risk should be considered. Additionally, risk enhancers such as multiple risk factors, severe hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C levels 190 mg/dL [ 4.9 mmol/L]), and diabetes mellitus can be used to favor initiation or intensification of statin therapy. If risk is uncertain, or if statin therapy is problematic, it can be helpful to measure CAC to refine risk assessment.