Which statin therapy change is suggested for the management of a patient with hypertension and hyperlipidemia after a cardiovascular event?

In the management of a patient with hypertension and hyperlipidemia following a cardiovascular event, the addition of a non-statin medication is frequently recommended. This approach stems from the need to enhance lipid management, particularly when the patient's LDL cholesterol levels remain elevated despite being on a statin.

Adding a non-statin medication, such as ezetimibe or a PCSK9 inhibitor, can provide synergistic effects that lower LDL cholesterol more effectively than statins alone, especially in high-risk patients. This is crucial for reducing the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.

While increasing the statin dose may also be beneficial, particularly if the patient is on a low-intensity statin, it may not always suffice to reach target cholesterol levels. Similarly, adding another statin is not advisable as it can increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefit. Discontinuing all medications fails to offer protection and management, which is counterproductive following a cardiovascular event.

Thus, adding a non-statin therapy is considered a more effective evidence-based strategy to optimize lipid-lowering therapy in this patient population.