Prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease stratified by low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and associated treatment patterns within the four nations of the United Kingdom: A routine database study

Abstract

Background and Aims : To estimate the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and associated lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the United Kingdom (UK).Methods: The study was conducted in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD database; a longitudinal UK primary-care database. Patients ≥18 years registered on the midpoint date (30-06-2018) formed the denominator. ASCVD patients were selected by a diagnosis recorded in the database prior to the midpoint date. LDL-C values recorded three years prior to the midpoint date and LLT prescribed six months prior were detailed. The prevalence of ASCVD, overall and stratified by LDL-C thresholds, was calculated within each nation, and applied to UK population estimates.Conclusions: Estimated ASCVD prevalence in the UK was 6.82%. LDL-C for a significant proportion of ASCVD patients was above guideline recommendations, yet, despite the association of elevated LDL-C with cardiovascular events, many were untreated with LLT. Background and Aims : To estimate the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and associated lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods: The study was conducted in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD database; a longitudinal UK primary-care database. Patients ≥18 years registered on the midpoint date (30-06-2018) formed the denominator. ASCVD patients were selected by a diagnosis recorded in the database prior to the midpoint date. LDL-C values recorded three years prior to the midpoint date and LLT prescribed six months prior were detailed. The prevalence of ASCVD, overall and stratified by LDL-C thresholds, was calculated within each nation, and applied to UK population estimates. Conclusions: Estimated ASCVD prevalence in the UK was 6.82%. LDL-C for a significant proportion of ASCVD patients was above guideline recommendations, yet, despite the association of elevated LDL-C with cardiovascular events, many were untreated with LLT.