What is considered high-intensity statin therapy for a patient with high cardiovascular risk?

High-intensity statin therapy is defined as the use of statins that can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 50% or more. In the context of patients with high cardiovascular risk, atorvastatin at a dose of 80 mg daily is recognized as a high-intensity statin. This dose has demonstrated a substantial effect on lowering LDL-C and has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals at high risk.

Atorvastatin is classified in the highest intensity category of statins due to its potency and the research supporting its efficacy in risk reduction. This is particularly important for patients who have conditions like atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or diabetes, where aggressive management of cholesterol levels can lead to improved long-term outcomes.

Other options in the question do not meet the criteria for high-intensity therapy. For instance, pravastatin at 40 mg is considered moderate intensity, while rosuvastatin at 5 mg, although a potent statin, also does not reach the high-intensity threshold, given that higher doses (10 mg or more) are required for that classification. Simvastatin at 80 mg, while it may seem high due to the dosage, is no longer recommended at that level due to safety concerns