Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Target Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Ongericimab in Chinese Patients With Primary Hypercholesterolemia and Mixed Dyslipidemia.

A phase 3 trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ongericimab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, as an add-on treatment to optimized lipid-lowering therapy in Chinese patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. A total of 806 patients who were receiving stable and optimized lipid-lowering therapy but did not achieve their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 2:1:2:1 ratio to receive either ongericimab 150 mg or matching placebo every 2 weeks, or ongericimab 300 mg or matching placebo every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. Efficacy and safety were evaluated in 802 patients who received at least 1 dose of ongericimab or placebo. The primary end point was the percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to week 24. Our findings demonstrated that the least-squares mean difference of percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to week 24 was -67.7% (95% CI, -72.5% to -63.0%; P<0.0001) in the ongericimab 150 mg every 2 weeks group compared with the placebo every 2 weeks group, and -61.2% (95% CI, -67.1% to -55.2%; P<0.0001) in the ongericimab 300 mg every 4 weeks group compared with the placebo every 4 weeks group. These reductions were sustained up to week 52. Furthermore, treatment with ongericimab favorably altered other lipid parameters. A similar incidence of adverse events was observed in the ongericimab and placebo groups. Ongericimab, as an add-on treatment to optimized lipid-lowering therapy, significantly reduced LDL-C and was well-tolerated in Chinese patients with primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia who did not achieve their LDL-C targets. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04781114.

Effect and safety of PCSK9 inhibitor in-hospital use on blood lipid level in the ACS patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Main funding source(s): none Aims To evaluate the effect and safety of in-hospital use of the proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor on blood lipid levels in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Methods We searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Ovid and Cochrane Library electronic databases through July 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies using PCSK9 inhibitors during ACS hospitalization. Then we compared the PCSK9 inhibitor group with a placebo or a blank control group with the same background of lipid-lowering therapy. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias for the included studies. A software was used to analyze the changes in overall lipids from baseline and the adverse event rates. Results A total of 15 studies enrolling 3891 patients with ACS were eligible, including 10 RCTs (n = 1406) and 5 cohort studies (n = 2485). Treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors showed a greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) (SMD=1.46, 95% CI: 1.16-1.76, P&amp;lt;0.01). The cumulative meta-analysis of follow-up time showed that the degree of LDLC reduction stabilized after 12 weeks (SMD=1.42 at 12 weeks, 95% CI: 1.06-1.79, P&amp;lt;0.01), and thus, PCSK9 inhibitors dramatically decreased LDLC levels in comparison to controls at both ≤12 weeks and 12–72 weeks. The LDLC levels with PCSK9 inhibitors that reached the recommended standards of AHA/ACC (≤1.8mmol/l) and ESC (≤1.4mmol/l) were 95% and 80% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (58% and 22%). PCSK9 inhibitors can also reduce the total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein (a), while increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but they have no statistical significance in reducing apolipoprotein A1. Compared with placebo or blank control, the addition of PCSK9 inhibitor did not increase the occurrence of adverse events (RR =-0.01,95% CI:-0.19-0.18, P = 0.95) and serious adverse events (RR =-0.03, 95% CI:-0.48-0.43, P=0.91). Conclusion In-hospital use of PCSK9 inhibitors can significantly improve the blood lipid levels of ACS patients and increase the target LDLC attainment rate, with satisfactory safety and good tolerance.

Assessment of post-myocardial infarction lipid levels and management: Results from a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan.

Lipid treatment practices and levels in post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, which are crucial for secondary prevention. To evaluate the lipid treatment practices and lipid levels in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed patients who had experienced their first AMI event in the past 3 years. We assessed fasting and non-fasting lipid profiles, reviewed statin therapy prescriptions, and examined patient compliance. The recommended dose was defined as rosuvastatin ≥ 20 mg or atorvastatin ≥ 40 mg, with target total cholesterol levels set at < 160 mg/dL and target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at < 55 mg/dL. Among 195 patients, 71.3% were male, and the mean age was 57.1 ± 10.2 years. The median duration since AMI was 36 (interquartile range: 10-48) months and 60% were diagnosed with ST-segment elevation MI. Only 13.8% of patients were advised to undergo lipid profile testing after AMI, 88.7% of patients were on the recommended statin therapy, and 91.8% of patients were compliant with statin therapy. Only 11.5% had LDL-C within the target range and 71.7% had total cholesterol within the target range. Hospital admission in the past 12 months was reported by 14.4%, and the re-admission rate was significantly higher among non-compliant patients (37.5% vs 5.6%). Subsequent AMI event rate was also significantly higher among non-compliant patients (43.8% vs 11.7%). Our study highlights that while most post-AMI patients received the recommended minimum statin therapy dose, the inadequate practice of lipid assessment may compromise therapy optimization and raise the risk of subsequent events.

Prevalence, Clustering, and Current Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Upon First Referral to Hypertension Specialists: the APPROACH Study.

Several observational studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients; however, none has yet investigated prevalence, clustering, and current management of cardiovascular risk factors upon first referral to hypertension specialists, which is the aim of the present study. Consecutive adult outpatients with essential/secondary hypertension were included at the time of their first referral to hypertension specialists at 13 Italian centers in the period April 2022-2023 if they had at least one additional major cardiovascular risk factor among LDL-hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, and cigarette smoking. Prevalence, degree of control, and current management strategies of cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. A total of 255 individuals were included, 40.2% women and 98.4% Caucasian. Mean age was 60.3±13.3years and mean blood pressure [BP] was 140.3±17.9/84.8±12.3mmHg). Most participants were smokers (55.3%), had a sedentary lifestyle (75.7%), suffered from overweight/obesity (51%) or high LDL-cholesterol (41.6%), had never adopted strategies to lose weight (55.7%), and were not on a low-salt diet (57.4%). Only a minority of patients reported receiving specialist counseling, and 27.9% had never received recommendations to correct unhealthy lifestyle habits. Nearly 90% of individuals with an estimated high/very high cardiovascular risk profile did not achieve recommended LDL-cholesterol targets. In patients with hypertension, both pharmacological and lifestyle therapeutic advice are yet to improve before referral to hypertension specialists. This should be considered in the primary care setting in order to optimize cardiovascular risk management strategies.

Cardiac rehabilitation makes a difference: lipid control targets and prognosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has become a fundamental element in the recovery of patients with acute coronary syndrome, since it achieves greater therapeutic adherence and better control of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Purpose We aim to describe the characteristics of patients with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STEACS) included in a cardiac rehabilitation program, as well as the achievement of prevention objectives and the occurrence of mayor adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Methods We present a prospective registry of 664 patients admitted to a Coronary Unit with a diagnosis of STEACS during the years 2017-2020. They were classified according to their participation in a CR program. We compared history, lipid-lowering treatment (prior, at discharge and titration), lipid levels at discharge and at 1-year follow-up, and degree of compliance with lipid targets. MACE were observed at 2-year follow-up. Results From 664 patients, 351 were excluded due to lack of follow-up or early mortality. From a total of 313 patients (mean age 59.9±11.2 and 81% male), 55.3% were included in the CR program, with this group presenting a lower mean age (55.46±8.7 vs 65.39±11.5 p&amp;lt;0.001), as well as a higher frequency of a history of early ischemic heart disease and smoking, and a lower frequency of arterial hypertension and diabetes (Table). Lipid-lowering treatment at discharge was similar in both groups. In patients undergoing CR there was a lower level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) at one year (126.2±27 vs 137.2±34, p=0.002; 57.8±23 vs 67.5±26, p&amp;lt;0.001) compared to the group without CR. A greater reduction in LDLc (41.4% vs 0.86%, p&amp;lt;0.001) was achieved even from higher initial LDLc values. Titration of lipid-lowering treatment was also greater, with the old target of LDLc &amp;lt; 70 being achieved in a greater number of cases (81.5% vs 59.3%, p&amp;lt;0.001). At 1-year follow-up, the new cholesterol reduction target (LDL &amp;lt;55 or 50% reduction) was achieved in only 26.8% of patients, with a greater reduction being obtained in the CR group (34.1% vs 17.9%; p=0.02). At 2-year follow up, in CR group we found low rates of re-infarction (3.2% vs 4.1%), new revascularization (5.8% vs 7.3%), not statistically significant, but we could observe differences in mortality from all causes (0% vs 4.8%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusions Participation in a CR program is associated with better lipid control in patients admitted for STEACS. These programs represent a basic tool for achieving increasingly demanding LDLc targets. Longer follow-up is needed to detect clinically important adverse events.

Prescription of lipid-lowering therapy, LDLc control, and risk of MACE in patients after ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Mexico

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background/Introduction Optimal control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular event rates after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, real-world data shows that a low proportion of patients achieve LDLc targets. Furthermore, the association of LDLc levels and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) in post-STEMI patients is limited in developing countries. Purpose In this study, we aimed to assess the prescription patterns of lipid-lowering therapies, LDLc control, and their impact on the risk of MACE after STEMI in Mexico. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of patients with STEMI. LDLc levels and prescriptions of lipid-lowering therapy were assessed during the first scheduled visit following STEMI hospital discharge. LDLc control was determined in accordance with the 2023 European Society of Cardiology Acute Coronary Syndrome Guidelines, which recommend achieving LDLc levels below 55 mg/dL for secondary prevention. Patients were categorized as controlled (if LDLc &amp;lt;55 mg/dL) and not controlled (if LDLc &amp;gt;55 mg/dL) and were followed for a median of 4.5 years to evaluate the rate of MACE, including cardiovascular death, cardiogenic shock, recurrent MI, and heart failure. Results We included 447 patients with a mean age of 57.87 (± 10.5 years), predominantly male (84.5%). Hypertension (43.8%), smoking (41.1%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (33.5%), obesity (26.6%), and dyslipidemia (21.4%) were highly prevalent. The median LDLc level in the total population was 65.4 mg/dL (IQR 49.2- 87.7). Among these, 34% (152) were considered controlled, while 66% (295) were not. Baseline clinical characteristics did not significantly differ among the groups. Prescription of high-intensity statins reached 94.7%, and ezetimibe and PCSK-9i were used in 1.8% and 0.4% of cases, respectively. We observed no statistically significant difference (Hazard ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.74-1.73) in the rate of MACE based on LDLc control (Fig.1). The risk of MACE was also not different based on the use of high-intensity statins. Conclusions In this real-world study of patients post-STEMI, LDLc control was achieved in just one-third of the population. While the prescription of high-intensity statins was high, combination therapy was low. We did not observe a statistically significant association with an increased long-term risk of MACE; however, we noted a higher rate of events compared with other series.

Combined hypolipidemic therapy with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe is the key to success in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Combined hypolipidemic therapy with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe is the key to success in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Real-world evidence evaluation of LDL-C among hospitalized patients: a population-based observational study in the timeframe 2021-2022

Aims. European registries and retrospective cohorts highlighted the lack of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) goal achievement in many very high-risk patients. Hospitalized patients are often frail, and frailty is associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Aim of this study is to evaluate LDL-C levels in a Real-World setting of inpatients, identify cardiovascular risk categories and highlight treatment gaps in the implementation of LDL-C control. Methods. This retrospective, observational study included all the adult patients admitted at an Italian hospital between 2021-2022 and with LDL-C values available during hospitalization. Disease-related real-world data were collected from Hospital Information Systems using automated data extraction strategies and through the implementation of a patient-centered data repository (the Dyslipidemia Data Mart). Assessment of cardiovascular risk profiles, LDL-C target achievement according to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines and lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) use were performed. Results. 13,834 patients were included: 17.15%, 13.72%, 16.82% and 49.76% were low (L), moderate (M), high (H) and very high-risk (VH) patients, respectively. The percentage of in-target patients was progressively lower moving towards worse categories (78.79% in L, 58.38% in M, 33.3% in H and 21.37% in VH). Among LLT treated patients in VH category, in-target are 28.48%; 47.6.% in H, 69.12% in M and 68.47% in L. The impact of monotherapies and combination therapies on target achievement was also analyzed. Conclusions. This study depicts LDL-C control among an entire population of inpatients, highlighting relevant gaps especially in VH category. Future efforts must aim to reduce the cardiovascular risk of these subjects.

Enhanced identification of familial hypercholesterolemia using central laboratory algorithms

Background and aimsFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a highly prevalent genetic disorder resulting in markedly elevated LDL cholesterol levels and premature coronary artery disease. FH underdiagnosis and undertreatment require novel detection methods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using an LDL cholesterol cut-off ≥99.5th percentile (sex- and age-adjusted) to identify clinical and genetic FH, and investigated underutilization of genetic testing and undertreatment in FH patients. MethodsIndividuals with at least one prior LDL cholesterol level ≥99.5th percentile were selected from a laboratory database containing lipid profiles of 590,067 individuals. The study comprised three phases: biochemical validation of hypercholesterolemia, clinical identification of FH, and genetic determination of FH. ResultsOf 5614 selected subjects, 2088 underwent lipid profile reassessment, of whom 1103 completed the questionnaire (mean age 64.2 ± 12.7 years, 48% male). In these 1103 subjects, mean LDL cholesterol was 4.0 ± 1.4 mmol/l and 722 (65%) received lipid-lowering therapy. FH clinical diagnostic criteria were met by 282 (26%) individuals, of whom 85% had not received guideline-recommended genetic testing and 97% failed to attain LDL cholesterol targets. Of 459 individuals consenting to genetic validation, 13% carried an FH-causing variant, which increased to 19% in clinically diagnosed FH patients. ConclusionsThe identification of a substantial number of previously undiagnosed and un(der)treated clinical and genetic FH patients within a central laboratory database highlights the feasibility and clinical potential of this targeted screening strategy; both in identifying new FH patients and in improving treatment in this high-risk population.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the achievement of guideline targets for HbA1c, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol in people with diabetes in Japan

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the achievement of guideline targets for HbA1c, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol in people with diabetes in Japan

Lipid-Lowering Therapy after Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Achieving guideline-recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets remains a significant challenge in clinical practice. This review assesses the barriers to reaching LDL-C goals and explores the potential solutions to these issues. When aiming for the recommended LDL-C goal, strategies like "lower is better" and "strike early and strong" should be used. The evidence supports the safety and efficacy of intensive lipid-lowering therapy post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS), leading to improved long-term cardiovascular health and atherosclerotic plaque stabilization. Despite the availability of effective lipid-lowering therapies, such as high-intensity statins, ezetimibe, the combination of both, bempedoic acid, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, a substantial proportion of patients do not meet their LDL-C targets. Contributing factors include systemic healthcare barriers, healthcare provider inertia, patient non-adherence, and statin intolerance. Statin intolerance, often rather statin reluctance, is a notable obstacle due to perceived or expected side effects, which can lead to discontinuation of therapy. In conclusion, while there are obstacles to achieving optimal LDL-C levels post-ACS, these can be overcome with a combination of patient-centric approaches, clinical vigilance, and the judicious use of available therapies. The safety and necessity of reaching lower LDL-C goals to improve outcomes in patients post-ACS are well-supported by current evidence.

Temporal trends and racial/ethnic- and sex-differences in LDL cholesterol control among US adults with self-reported atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

ObjectiveCurrent guidelines for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) recommend targeting a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of < 70 mg/dL. However, temporal trends and racial/ethnic- and sex-differences in achievement of LDL-C targets are not well described. We assessed trends and racial/ethnic- and sex-differences in achievement of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008 to 2017-March 2020. MethodsWe combined NHANES cycles into 4 periods: 2005–2008, 2009–2012, 2013–2016, and 2017-March 2020 and included participants ≥ 40 years with self-reported ASCVD. We estimated LDL-C < 70 mg/dL prevalence over time and further stratified by sex and race/ethnicity. We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for social determinants of health and clinical covariates to model LDL-C target attainment. ResultsAmong 1,826 NHANES participants representing 7,161,221 US adults with self-reported ASCVD (59.6% ≥ 65 years, 56.4% male, 74.8% White), LDL-C target attainment increased from 19.0% (95% CI, 15.3%-23.3%) in 2005–2008 to 26.3% (95% CI, 20.4%-33.1%) in 2017-March 2020 (P = 0.012 for trend). Achievement of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL significantly rose among men from19.5% (95% CI, 15.1%-24.8%) to 29.4% (95% CI, 20.7%-29.9%) without significant change in women (from 18.3% [95% CI, 13.6%-24.2%] to 22.5% [95% CI, 13.0%-35.9%]; P = 0.241 for trend). Improvement in LDL-C target attainment was similar among White, Black, and Hispanic individuals (∼5–7% increase) and was greatest among individuals of other (non-White, Hispanic, or Black) race/ethnicity (23.1% increase). In our multivariable analysis, comorbid diabetes and ages 65–75 and > 75 years were associated with LDL-C target attainment. ConclusionLDL-C control modestly improved between 2005 and 2008 and 2017-March 2020; however, only ∼1/4 of individuals met guideline-directed LDL-C treatment targets by 2017-March 2020. Women had lower LDL-C control and lesser magnitude of improvement in LDL-C control than men, highlighting a need for targeted interventions to improve lipid-lowering therapy utilization in this population.

Glycemic and lipid control in patients with diabetes at time of myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular risk is increased in patients with diabetes. Little is known about glycemic and lipid control in patients with diabetes. We aimed to assess glycemic and lipid controls in patients with diabetes at time of their myocardial infarction. All known patients with type 2 diabetes consecutively admitted for a myocardial infarction in our coronary care unit between March 1st and December 31st, 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Glycemic and lipid control was assessed through individualized target of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), respectively. At admission, the comprehensive list of chronic medications was obtained through medication reconciliation. This study included 112 patients with a median age of 72 years. Most of patients had an individualized target of HbA1c and LDL-c of 7.0% (67%) and 0.55g/L (96%), respectively. The rate of uncontrolled patients for HbA1c and LDL-c and both was 46%, 90%, and 42% respectively. The rate of patients with non-optimal glucose- and lipid-lowering medications in uncontrolled patients was 63% and 87%, respectively. The rate of inappropriate glucose- and lipid-lowering medications was 73% and 91%, respectively. We highlighted the poor glycemic and lipid control in high-risk CV patients. There is an urgent need to develop multidisciplinary approaches to optimize CV risk factors control to reduce myocardial infarction and strokes.

Sex Differences in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Treatment Among Young Israeli Patients Following Premature Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Introduction: Effective management of dyslipidemias is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality among patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Sex differences in dyslipidemia management after premature ACS in Israeli patients have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate potential disparities between men and women in managing dyslipidemia, considering current guidelines. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined patients who were 55 years old or younger and admitted to Meir Medical Center for ACS from January 2018 to February 2019. The study aimed to evaluate the use of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), measure the achievement of target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and analyze the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in both male and female patients. Results: The study included a total of 687 participants, of which 23.3% were identified as females. Upon discharge, ∼80% of the patients were prescribed high-intensity statins. After 1 year, it was observed that females had higher levels of LDL-C and lower rates of achieving target LDL-C levels (<70 and 55 mg/dL) as compared with males (45% vs. 54.6% and 30% vs. 42.2%, respectively). The use of non-statin LLT at the 1-year mark was minimal in both groups. Finally, it was found that the occurrence of MACCE was similar between males and females. Conclusion: Sex disparities in dyslipidemia management after a premature ACS were apparent, with females having higher LDL-C levels and lower rates of target achievement. Intervention is necessary to address these disparities and encourage greater use of non-statin LLT.

Treatment of pediatric heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia 7 years after the EAS recommendations: Real-world results from a large French cohort

BackgroundHeterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) predisposes to premature cardiovascular diseases. Since 2015, the European Atherosclerosis Society has advocated initiation of statins at 8–10 years of age and a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target of <135 mg/dL. Longitudinal data from large databases on pharmacological management of pediatric HeFH are lacking. ObjectiveHere, we describe treatment patterns and LDL-C goal attainment in pediatric HeFH using longitudinal real-world data. MethodsThis was a retrospective and prospective multicenter cohort study (2015–2021) of children with HeFH, diagnosed genetically or clinically, aged <18 years, and followed up in the National French Registry of FH (REFERCHOL). Data on the study population as well as treatment patterns and outcomes are summarized as mean±SD. ResultsWe analyzed the data of 674 HeFH children (age at last visit: 13.1 ± 3.6 years; 82.0 % ≥10 years; 52.5 % females) who were followed up for a mean of 2.8 ± 3.5 years. Initiation of lipid-lowering therapy was on average at 11.8 ± 3.0 years of age for a duration of 2.5 ± 2.8 years. At the last visit, among patients eligible for treatment (573), 36 % were not treated, 57.1 % received statins alone, 6.4 % statins with ezetimibe, and 0.2 % ezetimibe alone. LDL-C was 266±51 mg/dL before treatment and 147±54 mg/dL at the last visit (−44.7 %) in treated patients. Regarding statins, 3.3 %, 65.1 %, and 31.6 % of patients received high-, moderate-, and low-intensity statins, respectively. Overall, 59 % of children on statin therapy alone and 35.1 % on bitherapy did not achieve the LDL-C goal; fewer patients in the older age group did not reach the treatment goal. ConclusionPediatric patients with FH followed up in specialist lipid clinics in France receive late treatment, undertreatment, or suboptimal treatment and half of them do not reach the therapeutic LDL-C goal. Finding a more efficient framework for linking scientific evidence to clinical practice is needed.

Controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension: comparison of clinical and demographic characteristics in patients (according to the National Registry of Hypertension, 2019-2022)

Aim: to study the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients in a sample of patients with arterial hypertension observed in primary healthcare (20192022). To compare data from patients with uncontrolled and controlled hypertension.Materials and methods. An analysis of medical data of 4543 patients was carried out (history, clinical and laboratory data, concomitant cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, revascularization (coronary bypass grafting, transluminal balloon angioplasty of the coronary arteries). For statistical data processing, the SPSS statistical software package was used.Results. The patients in the study sample were middle-aged and elderly. 51,5% of patients did not achieve target blood pressure values. More than 90% of patients in the studied sample are high and very high risk patients. The ratio of groups of patients with controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension among patients of different ages did not differ. Higher values of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a higher frequency (1,3 times) of failure to achieve target values of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol &lt;2,6 mmol/l, and obesity (1,3 times) were identified in patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension. More than 80% of patients had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values higher than recommended. Patients with controlled arterial hypertension were more likely to have coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and a history of coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting.Сonclusions. In hypertensive patients, more careful monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors is required, including blood pressure levels and achieving target LDL cholesterol levels. The association of a higher incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the severity of dyslipidemia with uncontrolled hypertension may indicate less adherence of patients to both drug and non-drug treatment methods. While the presence of coronary heart disease, surgical interventions performed on the coronary arteries can serve as an illustration of increased adherence to therapy when hypertension is combined with coronary heart disease.

Association of LDL-cholesterol

Recent intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering trials, including FOURIER, ODYSSEY OUTCOMES, and Treat Stroke to Target (TST) trials, have mostly refuted the concern surrounding statin use, LDL-C lowering, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk. However, the results from these trials may not be fully applied to ICH survivors, as the populations studied were mainly patients without prior ICH, in whom the inherent ICH risk is more than 10 times lower than that of ICH survivors. Although available literature on statin use after ICH has demonstrated no excess risk of recurrent ICH, other potential factors that may modify ICH risk, especially hypertension control and ICH etiology, have not generally been considered. Notably, data on LDL-C levels following ICH are lacking. We aim to investigate the association between LDL-C levels and statin use with ICH risk among ICH survivors, and to determine whether the risk differed with patients' characteristics, especially ICH etiology. Follow-up data of consecutive spontaneous ICH survivors enrolled in the University of Hong Kong prospective stroke registry from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. ICH etiology was classified as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) using the modified Boston criteria or hypertensive arteriopathy, while the mean follow-up LDL-C value was categorized as <1.8 or ⩾1.8 mmol/L. The primary endpoint was recurrent ICH. The association of LDL-C level and statin use with recurrent ICH was determined using multivariable Cox regression. Pre-specified subgroup analyses were performed, including based on ICH etiology and statin prescription. Follow-up blood pressure was included in all the regression models. In 502 ICH survivors (mean age = 64.2 ± 13.5 years, mean follow-up LDL-C = 2.2 ± 0.6 mmol/L, 28% with LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L), 44 had ICH recurrence during a mean follow-up of 5.9 ± 2.8 years. Statin use after ICH was not associated with recurrent ICH (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57-2.00). The risk of ICH recurrence was increased for follow-up LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L (AHR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.06-3.73). This association was predominantly observed in ICH attributable to CAA (AHR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.06-5.99) and non-statin users (AHR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.08-7.86). The association between post-ICH LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L and recurrent ICH was predominantly observed in CAA patients and those with intrinsically low LDL-C (non-statin users). While statins can be safely prescribed in ICH survivors, LDL-C targets should be individualized and caution must be exercised in CAA patients.

Real-world data on treatment patterns in at least high cardiovascular risk patients on dual and triple lipid lowering therapy in a Hellenic nationwide e-prescription database

BackgroundDespite recent guidelines appropriate lipid-lowering treatment (LLT) remains suboptimal in everyday clinical practice. AimsWe aimed to describe clinical practice of use of LLT for at least high CV risk populations in a Hellenic real-world setting and assess how this relates to the European Society of Cardiology treatment guidelines. MethodsWe analyzed data from a retrospective cohort study of the National Registry of patients with dyslipidemia between 1/7/2017 and 30/6/2019 who were at least of high CV risk and filled a dual or triple lipid-lowering treatment (dLLT, tLLT) prescription. The primary outcomes of interest of this analysis were to report on the patterns of LLT use in at least high CV risk patients. ResultsA total of 994,255 (45.4% of Greeks on LLT) were of at least high CV risk and 120,490 (5.5%) were on dLLT or tLLT. The percentage of patients with reported statin intolerance ranged from 2 to 10%. While persistence was reported to be satisfactory (>85% for both dLLT or tLLT), adherence was low (ranging between 14 and 34% for dLLT). In 6-month intervals, the percentage of patients achieving a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target below 100 md/dL ranged from 20% to 23% for dLLT and 34%–37% for tLLT. ConclusionsThe prevalence of at least high CV risk patients among patients receiving LLT in Greece is substantial. Despite the high persistence and probably due to the low adherence to treatment, LDL-C remains above targets in more than two thirds of patients.

Atteinte des cibles thérapeutiques recommandées en prévention secondaire après infarctus du myocarde dans un centre tertiaire nord-africain

Despite the demonstrated efficacy of cardiovascular (CV) preventive measures, data from international literature indicate that control of CV risk factors (RF) remains insufficient in very high-risk patients. This study aimed to assess prevalence of achievement of recommended therapeutic targets for the major and modifiable CVRF 12 months after myocardial infarction (MI). From 1st January to 30th April 2023, we collected consecutive patients with type 1 MI who had completed 12 months follow-up. Primary endpoint was prevalence of achievement of all recommended therapeutic targets of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), diabetes mellitus (DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and smoking. Targets and treatment goals were defined according to the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on CV disease prevention. 107 patients, mean age 58.8 ± 8.8 years, 74.8% male, were included. 42 (39.3%) patients had HTN, 50 (46.7%) were diabetics, 77 (72.0%) were smokers and eight (7.5%) had hypercholesterolemia. At 12 months, primary endpoint was achieved in 20 (18.7%) patients. 55 (71.4%) of 77 smoker patients were weaned. Blood pressure was at target in 26 (61.9%) among hypertensive patients. In DM patients, HbA1c target was achieved in 23 (46.0%) of them. 32 patients (29.9%) achieved the goal of LDL-C < 0.55 g/L. Secondary prevention of CV disease was suboptimal. Less than a fifth of patients achieved treatment target for most major and modifiable risk factors. Improvement in follow-up care and treatment after MI is needed.

Prevalence, clinical features and prognosis of familial hypercholesterolemia in Chinese Han patients with acute coronary syndrome after a coronary event: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal semi-dominant disease, characterized by markedly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) from conception and accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, often resulting in early death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinically defined FH in Chinese Han patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and compare the long-term prognosis of ACS patients with and without FH receiving lipid-lowering therapy containing statins after a coronary event.MethodsAll ACS patients were screened at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University between Jan 2019 and Sep 2020, and 531 participants were enrolled. All were examined for FH under the Dutch Lipid Clinical Network (DLCN) criteria, and those patients were divided into definite/probable FH, possible FH and unlikely FH. The severity of coronary artery disease was evaluated by the Gensini scoring system. Plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), very low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (VLDL-c), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) were determined centrally at baseline and the last follow-up visit in the fasting state. The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) concentration, the TC/HDL-c and apoB/apoA1 ratios were calculated. After FH patients received lipid-lowering treatment containing statin, the target LDL-c levels recommended by the guidelines (LDL-c < 1.8 mmol/L or < 1.4 mmol/L and a reduction > 50% from baseline) were evaluated, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) during the 12-month follow-up was recorded.ResultsThe prevalence of clinically definite or probable FH was 4.3%, and the prevalence of possible FH was 10.6%. Compared with the unlikely FH patients with ACS, the FH patients had higher levels of TC, LDL-c, apoB, Lp(a), non-HDL-c, TC/HDL-c and apoB/apoA1 ratio, more severe coronary artery diseases and greater prevalence of left main and triple or multiple vessel lesions. After lipid-lowering therapy containing statins, a minority of FH patients reached the target LDL-c levels defined by the guidelines (χ2 = 33.527, P < 0.001). During the 12-month follow-up, a total of 72 patients experienced MACCE. The survival curve in patients in the FH group was significantly lower than that in the unlikely FH group (HR = 1.530, log-rank test: P < 0.05). Furthermore, the survival curve in patients with high LDL-c (≥ 1.8 mmol/L) was significantly lower than that in patients with low LDL-c (< 1.8 mmol/L) at the 12-month follow-up visit (HR = 1.394, log-rank test: P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between patients with LDL-c levels ≥ 1.4 mmol/L and with < 1.4 mmol/L at the 12-month follow-up visit by using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (HR = 1.282, log-rank test: P > 0.05).ConclusionsFH was an independent risk factor for MACCE in adult patients after a coronary event during long-term follow-up. However, there was inadequate high-intensity statins prescriptions for high-risk patients in this current study. It is important for FH patients to optimize lipid-lowering treatment strategies to reach the target LDL-c level to improve the long-term prognosis of clinical outcomes.