Which group of patients is Atorvastatin particularly prescribed for?

Atorvastatin is particularly prescribed for patients who are at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) or who already have it. This medication is a statin, which works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are a significant risk factor for the development and progression of CAD.

By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, atorvastatin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in individuals predisposed to these cardiovascular issues. The benefits of statins extend beyond just cholesterol reduction, as they also have anti-inflammatory properties and may stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, further reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.

While atorvastatin is also used in patients with hyperlipidemia to manage cholesterol levels, it is specifically the high-risk population for CAD that is a primary focus in its prescribed use as per current guidelines. The other groups mentioned, such as patients with renal failure, asthma, or those with hyperlipidemia alone without cardiovascular risk factors, are not necessarily the primary targets for atorvastatin therapy.