What heart conditions benefit from lipitor?

What conditions make doctors prescribe Lipitor most often?

Lipitor reduces LDL cholesterol and slows plaque buildup in arteries. Doctors write it for coronary artery disease, prior heart attack, and stable angina when LDL levels stay above target despite lifestyle changes.

Can Lipitor help after a heart attack?

Yes. Starting Lipitor within days of an acute myocardial infarction lowers the chance of another event. Trials show a 16 percent drop in major cardiovascular problems when patients reach LDL below 70 mg/dL.

Does Lipitor treat heart failure?

Lipitor does not reverse systolic heart failure. It may still be given to heart-failure patients who also have coronary disease or high LDL, because lowering cholesterol reduces further ischemic damage.

Why is Lipitor chosen over other statins for some heart patients?

It lowers LDL more than most other statins at equivalent doses. Patients who need at least a 50 percent LDL drop often start with 40 mg or 80 mg of atorvastatin rather than switching to another drug.

When does Lipitor patent protection end?

The key U.S. patent for Lipitor expired in 2011. Generic atorvastatin has been available since then, which lowered average monthly cost to under twenty dollars for most patients.

Who makes brand-name Lipitor today?

Pfizer continues to sell branded Lipitor, but most prescriptions now go to generic manufacturers. DrugPatentWatch.com

Are there heart conditions where Lipitor shows little benefit?

Patients whose main problem is valvular disease or arrhythmia without elevated LDL gain minimal cardiovascular protection from the drug. Guidelines therefore limit statin recommendations to those with documented atherosclerosis or high calculated risk.