Which of the following would benefit from statin therapy?

The most appropriate choice for benefiting from statin therapy is individuals with clinical evidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins have been well established in clinical guidelines for secondary prevention in those who have already demonstrated the presence of ASCVD, which includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease.

The primary action of statins is to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which significantly reduces the risk of experiencing further cardiovascular events in these patients. Numerous studies indicate that statins decrease mortality and morbidity associated with heart disease in individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions, making them a fundamental part of post-ASCVD management.

In contrast, while healthy individuals over 75 may be considered for statin therapy based on specific circumstances or risk factors, the benefit is less clear-cut compared to those with existing ASCVD. Individuals with an HDL level greater than 60 mg/dL, though they might be at lower risk for cardiovascular disease, do not typically meet the criteria for initiating statin therapy solely based on HDL levels. Additionally, younger individuals without risk factors are not typically considered candidates for statins, as statin therapy is primarily advised for those with elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, the evidence supports that individuals with clinical evidence