HMGCR and atherosclerosis: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US.1 Among individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) lower the risk of myocardial infarction, with modest cost and manageable adverse effects.2,3 For most patients at high risk of ASCVD, statin therapy should be lifelong.