Clinical case study

Liam is a 62-year-old human resources manager with established hypertension. Recent blood test results show that Liam appears to have abnormal lipid levels. How will you interpret these findings? Does he need a statin? If so, how should statin therapy be optimised? And what would you do if Liam experienced muscle symptoms while on statin therapy?

Complete this online case study and receive instant feedback on your responses, compare your approach with your peers and read expert commentary provided by Professor of General Practice, Mark Harris, and editor of various editions of several prominent RACGP Guidelines.

On completion of this activity you should be able to:

• recognise the role of overall absolute CV risk approach in patients with dyslipidaemia
  
• discuss the factors to consider when selecting and tailoring statin therapy
  
• counsel patients on what to expect when starting a statin
  
• recognise that true statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are less common than expected and rarely life-threatening
  
• assess suspected SAMS systematically and refer appropriately for further management.