A patient who sustained a myocardial infarction comes to the clinic for a refill of atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor). This medication is prescribed for?

The appropriate use of atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) in the context of a patient who has experienced a myocardial infarction is characterized as secondary prevention. This category of prevention refers to strategies aimed at preventing the recurrence of a particular disease or condition in individuals who have already been diagnosed, such as heart disease following an infarction.

Statins, including atorvastatin, are particularly effective in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction. Their use in this scenario helps to decrease the likelihood of future heart problems, making it a vital component of post-MI care.

In contrast, primary prevention is focused on preventing the onset of disease in individuals without a current diagnosis, while tertiary prevention refers to managing and improving the quality of life in individuals with long-term, often chronic, conditions. Therefore, secondary prevention is the correct classification for the use of atorvastatin in this patient.