What is the first-line treatment for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals with a QRISK of >10%?

The first-line treatment for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals with a QRISK of greater than 10% is Atorvastatin 20mg. This recommendation is based on evidence that statins, particularly atorvastatin, are effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals who are at a higher risk, as identified by risk assessment tools like QRISK.

Atorvastatin is preferred because it has a strong evidence base supporting its effectiveness in lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. The specific dosing of 20mg is generally used in practice as it strikes a balance between efficacy and safety, minimizing potential side effects while still providing significant cardiovascular risk reduction.

In cases where patients have a QRISK score over 10%, initiating statin therapy is indicated, with atorvastatin being one of the most commonly recommended due to its lipid-lowering capabilities and overall benefits in primary prevention. Other options like simvastatin or rosuvastatin may also lower cholesterol but do not have the same level of recommendation or data supporting them as first-line for primary prevention compared to atorvastatin at the specified dose. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent and is not considered as first-line treatment in this context unless there