How do we categorize high-intensity, moderate-intensity, and low-intensity statins
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Quick answer
Statin intensity is categorized by the expected average reduction in LDL cholesterol.
| Intensity | Expected LDL-C reduction | Statin and daily dose |
|---|---|---|
| High-intensity | ≥50% | Atorvastatin 40-80 mg; Rosuvastatin 20-40 mg |
| Moderate-intensity | 30% to 49% | Atorvastatin 10-20 mg; Rosuvastatin 5-10 mg; Simvastatin 20-40 mg; Pravastatin 40-80 mg; Lovastatin 40-80 mg; Fluvastatin XL 80 mg or 40 mg twice daily; Pitavastatin 1-4 mg |
| Low-intensity | <30% | Simvastatin 10 mg; Pravastatin 10-20 mg; Lovastatin 20 mg; Fluvastatin 20-40 mg |
Key points:
- Only atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are used as high-intensity statins.
- Simvastatin 80 mg is generally not initiated because of increased myopathy risk.
- Dose choice also depends on age, ASCVD risk, drug interactions, kidney/liver function, and tolerance.
Create a quick reference PDF for statin intensity
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statin intensity AND cholesterol
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2026 ACC AHA statin intensity table atorvastatin rosuvastatin moderate low intensity
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Statin intensity is categorized by the expected average reduction in LDL cholesterol.
| Intensity | Expected LDL-C reduction | Statin and daily dose |
|---|---|---|
| High-intensity | ≥50% | Atorvastatin 40-80 mg; Rosuvastatin 20-40 mg |
| Moderate-intensity | 30% to 49% | Atorvastatin 10-20 mg; Rosuvastatin 5-10 mg; Simvastatin 20-40 mg; Pravastatin 40-80 mg; Lovastatin 40-80 mg; Fluvastatin XL 80 mg or 40 mg twice daily; Pitavastatin 1-4 mg |
| Low-intensity | <30% | Simvastatin 10 mg; Pravastatin 10-20 mg; Lovastatin 20 mg; Fluvastatin 20-40 mg |
Key points:
- Only atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are used as high-intensity statins.
- Simvastatin 80 mg is generally not initiated because of increased myopathy risk.
- Dose choice also depends on age, ASCVD risk, drug interactions, kidney/liver function, and tolerance.
Quick answer
I can create the PDF, but the quick-answer instruction prevents me from generating or attaching files in this response. Here is the finalized one-page content for the quick reference:
Statin Intensity: Quick Reference
| Intensity | Expected LDL-C Reduction | Statin and Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|
| High intensity | ≥50% | Atorvastatin 40-80 mg; Rosuvastatin 20-40 mg |
| Moderate intensity | 30%-49% | Atorvastatin 10-20 mg; Rosuvastatin 5-10 mg; Simvastatin 20-40 mg; Pravastatin 40-80 mg; Lovastatin 40-80 mg; Fluvastatin XL 80 mg or 40 mg twice daily; Pitavastatin 1-4 mg |
| Low intensity | <30% | Simvastatin 10 mg; Pravastatin 10-20 mg; Lovastatin 20 mg; Fluvastatin 20-40 mg |
Key reminders
- Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are the only high-intensity statins.
- Simvastatin 80 mg should generally not be started because of increased myopathy risk.
- Use the maximally tolerated statin dose when adverse effects or interactions limit therapy.
- Intensity refers to the average expected percentage LDL-C reduction, not a guaranteed response.
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