What is a common initial therapeutic goal when starting a patient on atorvastatin?

The primary initial therapeutic goal when initiating atorvastatin therapy is to decrease LDL cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin is a statin medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the cholesterol synthesis pathway in the liver. By reducing the production of cholesterol, especially LDL (low-density lipoprotein), atorvastatin effectively lowers the levels of this "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, the overarching aim of atorvastatin therapy is to lower LDL cholesterol to reduce these risks and improve overall heart health.

The other options do not align with the primary therapeutic goal for atorvastatin. Increasing LDL cholesterol levels, raising total cholesterol levels, or merely lowering blood triglycerides, while potentially beneficial in their own contexts, are not the main objectives when treating patients with atorvastatin. The focus remains on achieving optimal LDL reduction to contribute to cardiovascular risk management.