Besides aspirin, which type of medication has been shown to decrease mortality in patients with known coronary artery disease and stable angina?

• A. Lipid-lowering medications
• B. Beta-blockers
• C. Nitrates
• D. ACE inhibitors

Answer: (A)

Lowering cholesterol with lipid-lowering therapy, especially statins, has been shown to reduce death in people with established coronary artery disease or stable angina. Statins lower LDL cholesterol, help stabilize vulnerable plaques, reduce inflammation, and improve endothelial function. These effects translate into fewer fatal heart attacks and lower overall cardiovascular mortality in secondary prevention, on top of aspirin.

Beta-blockers are great for reducing symptoms and can improve survival after a heart attack or in the presence of limited heart function, but in stable angina without those specific conditions, their mortality benefit isn’t as consistently demonstrated. Nitrates relieve angina by dilating vessels but don’t reduce mortality. ACE inhibitors reduce mortality mainly in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, or diabetes, not universally in all patients with known CAD and stable angina.