What is the recommended therapy for a 55-year-old female with a 5.8% risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?

In the context of managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, the recommendation for a moderate-intensity statin therapy aligns with current guidelines for individuals with a 5.8% 10-year ASCVD risk, particularly for those who are 40 to 75 years old and have one or more risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or smoking.

Moderate-intensity statin therapy is generally recommended for this group as it has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular events without exposing the patient to the higher risks associated with high-intensity therapy. High-intensity statins are typically reserved for patients who are at a higher risk of ASCVD, such as those with established cardiovascular disease, significantly elevated LDL cholesterol levels, or those with a higher risk score.

While no medication may be appropriate for certain individuals with very low ASCVD risk or for those where lifestyle changes are sufficient, the moderate-intensity statin therapy is beneficial in striking a balance between efficacy and safety for someone at a 5.8% risk level. Likewise, low-dose aspirin therapy is not universally recommended for primary prevention due to potential bleeding risks outweighing its benefits in individuals with low to moderate risk profiles.