Understanding Antihyperlipidemic Drugs

Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), making the pharmacologic management of abnormal lipid profiles a critical component of preventive care. Understanding Antihyperlipidemic Drugs provides a detailed review of lipid-lowering agents, their mechanisms of action, clinical indications, safety profiles, and nursing considerations.

This course is designed to equip nurses with a comprehensive understanding of how antihyperlipidemic medications—such as statins, fibrates, niacin, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors—work to reduce LDL-C, raise HDL-C, and manage triglycerides. Emphasis is placed on individualized patient care, medication monitoring, and managing adverse effects to optimize adherence and outcomes.

Topics covered include:

• Lipid Physiology and Classification: Understanding the roles of LDL, HDL, VLDL, and triglycerides in cardiovascular health.
• Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors): First-line agents for LDL-C reduction; evidence for primary and secondary ASCVD prevention; monitoring and side effect management.
• Fibrates and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Agents for hypertriglyceridemia; risks and benefits in pancreatitis prevention and cardiovascular risk reduction.
• Niacin and Bile Acid Sequestrants: Mechanisms, therapeutic roles, and clinical limitations.
• Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors (e.g., ezetimibe): Combination therapy approaches and LDL-lowering synergy with statins.
• PCSK9 Inhibitors: Monoclonal antibodies targeting LDL-receptor degradation; indications for familial hypercholesterolemia and statin-intolerant patients.
• Emerging Therapies: Overview of inclisiran and bempedoic acid and their potential role in lipid management.
• Nursing Implications: Patient education, adherence strategies, lifestyle counseling, and follow-up laboratory monitoring.
• Drug-Drug Interactions and Contraindications: Special considerations in polypharmacy, liver dysfunction, and pregnancy.
• Case-Based Applications: Real-world scenarios to support clinical reasoning and treatment personalization.

Completion Requirements:

To receive full CE credit, participants must:

• Register for the course.
• Complete all course modules and assigned readings.
• Pass the post-test with a score of 70% or higher.
• Submit course evaluations for each module.

Course materials may include case scenarios, state-specific policy references, and downloadable clinical tools for use in practice.

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: Faculty and planners report no relevant financial relationships.
• Commercial Support: This activity received no external commercial funding or sponsorship.
• Non-Endorsement: Accreditation does not imply endorsement of any commercial products or companies.
• Off-Label Product Use: Any mention of off-label drug use is consistent with current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice.