Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of prescribing statins to a patient after a STEMI?

1. To relieve chest pain

2. To minimize further atherosclerotic buildup

3. To enhance workout capacity

4. To increase heart rate

The correct answer is: To minimize further atherosclerotic buildup

The primary purpose of prescribing statins to a patient after a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is to minimize further atherosclerotic buildup. Statins work by lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is a key contributor to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque buildup can lead to recurrent cardiac events, including another heart attack. Statins also have pleiotropic effects, meaning they provide additional benefits beyond cholesterol reduction, such as improving endothelial function and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. These properties are particularly important in the post-STEMI setting, where stabilizing the arterial plaque and preventing further cardiovascular complications become critical. The other options involve effects that are not the main objectives of statin therapy after a STEMI. For instance, while statins may indirectly help with heart function, they do not primarily serve to relieve chest pain or enhance workout capacity. Additionally, statins do not increase heart rate; instead, they focus on cardiovascular risk reduction and the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque.