Target Low-density Lipoprotein Research Articles

Lipid Levels and Risk of Diabetic Polyneuropathy in 2 Danish Type 2 Diabetes Cohorts.

Reduction of blood lipids may aid in preventing diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), but evidence remains conflicting. We investigated the association between lipid parameters and DPN risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted a population-based cohort study of individuals with newly diagnosed T2DM and a cross-sectional study using a clinically recruited T2DM cohort. Triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-HDL cholesterol were measured in routine diabetes care. Each lipid parameter was categorized according to the latest cutoffs in clinical guidelines on dyslipidemia. DPN was assessed with validated hospital diagnosis codes in the population-based cohort and with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire in the clinical cohort. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox regression and prevalence ratios (PRs) using Poisson regression. We included 61,853 individuals in the population-based cohort (median age 63 [quartiles 54-72] years) and 4,823 in the clinical cohort (median age 65 [quartiles 57-72] years). The incidence rate of hospital-diagnosed DPN in the population-based cohort was 3.6 per 1000 person-years during a median follow-up of 7.3 years. Achieving guideline targets for HDL, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol showed no association with DPN risk. By contrast, adjusted HRs (95% CI) for DPN were 1.02 (0.89-1.18) for triglyceride levels between 150 and 204 mg/dL (1.7-2.3 mmol/L) and 1.28 (1.13-1.45) for levels >204 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L). In the clinical cohort with a DPN prevalence of 18%, DPN associated strongly with triglycerides >204 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L) with an adjusted PR (95% CI) of 1.40 (1.21-1.62). The prevalence of DPN was modestly elevated for individuals with HDL cholesterol <39 mg/dL (1.0/1.3 mmol/L) in men and <50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women (PR 1.13 [0.99-1.28]) and for individuals with non-HDL cholesterol >131 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) (PR 1.27 [1.05-1.52]). In both cohorts, spline models showed an increasing risk of DPN starting from triglyceride levels >124 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L). All results were similar among statin users. High triglyceride levels are a strong DPN risk factor. Future intervention studies shall determine whether triglyceride reduction is more important for DPN prevention than reduction of other lipids.

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.

Lipid-lowering therapies in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Over past decades, multiple clinical trials have provided substantial evidence supporting the advantages of managing plasma lipids in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). A primary focus in reducing clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the regulation of blood lipids, with an emphasis on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Statins represent the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), with high-intensity statins consistently associated with beneficial outcomes in patients at high risk of ASCVD. Nevertheless, a notable portion of patients do not achieve their target cholesterol levels through statin monotherapy, necessitating the inclusion of complementary LLT strategies. Among these therapies are ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, which have also demonstrated clinical advantages by further reducing cholesterol levels. Existing guidelines recommend using these agents when maximally tolerated statin doses fall short of achieving target LDL levels. Additionally, recently introduced ATP-citrate lyase inhibitors, such as bempedoic acid, have gained approval as adjunctive treatments. Furthermore, icosapent ethyl, a purified derivative of eicosapentaenoic acid, targets hypertriglyceridemia and has shown cardiovascular benefits compared to placebo. In this article, we delve into the mechanisms of blood lipids and molecular targets in connection with CAD undergoing PCI. We also explore the current landscape of available LLT options, guidelines in practice, and the subtleties of therapy.

Lipid-lowering therapies in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Over past decades, multiple clinical trials have provided substantial evidence supporting the advantages of managing plasma lipids in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). A primary focus in reducing clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the regulation of blood lipids, with an emphasis on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Statins represent the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), with high-intensity statins consistently associated with beneficial outcomes in patients at high risk of ASCVD. Nevertheless, a notable portion of patients do not achieve their target cholesterol levels through statin monotherapy, necessitating the inclusion of complementary LLT strategies. Among these therapies are ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, which have also demonstrated clinical advantages by further reducing cholesterol levels. Existing guidelines recommend using these agents when maximally tolerated statin doses fall short of achieving target LDL levels. Additionally, recently introduced ATP-citrate lyase inhibitors, such as bempedoic acid, have gained approval as adjunctive treatments. Furthermore, icosapent ethyl, a purified derivative of eicosapentaenoic acid, targets hypertriglyceridemia and has shown cardiovascular benefits compared to placebo. In this article, we delve into the mechanisms of blood lipids and molecular targets in connection with CAD undergoing PCI. We also explore the current landscape of available LLT options, guidelines in practice, and the subtleties of therapy.

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.

Updates on Non-Statin LDL-Lowering Therapy.

There is ample evidence of the benefits and safety of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering therapies in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While statins remain the first-line agent for LDL reduction, several new therapies are now available. This narrative review provides an overview of currently available non-statin LDL-lowering agents, specifically mechanisms of action and data on efficacy and safety. It also discusses recommendations on their use in clinical practice. Ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and bempedoic acid have proven safe and efficacious in reducing cardiovascular events in large randomized controlled trials. Inclisiran is a promising agent that suppresses PCSK9 mRNA translation and is currently under investigation in a large clinical outcomes randomized controlled trial assessing its effect on clinical outcomes. Expert consensus advocates for lower LDL targets in higher risk patients and escalation to or a combination of non-statin therapies as needed to achieve these goals.

Unused potential of lipid-lowering therapy in very high-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A retrospective data analysis

BackgroundAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the most common cause of death in Europe. Although the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias claim a target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) value of <55 mg/dL for very high-risk patients by use of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and lifestyle adaptations, the target level achievement is not satisfactory. We examined LLT use in ASCVD patients exceeding LDL-C target levels at admission and its adaptations at discharge. Methods and resultsBetween January 2017 and February 2020, 1091 patients with LDL-C >100 mg/dL and ASCVD defined as diagnosis of angina pectoris (AP, n = 179), acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n = 317), chronic ischemic heart disease (CHD, n = 195), or peripheral artery disease (PAD, n = 400) were extracted from hospital records. LLT use on admission and discharge as well as recommendations on lifestyle and nutrition were analysed.On admission, 51% of the patients were not taking LLT. At discharge, 91% were prescribed statins and 87% were advised on lifestyle adaptation and/or pharmacological treatment. High-intensity statin use at discharge was present in 63% of the AP-group, 92% of the AMI-group, 62% of the CHD-group and 71% of the PAD-group. Ezetimibe was present in 16% and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) in 1%. However, of those on high-intensity statin, 25% remained on insufficient statin dosage. ConclusionSwitch to high-intensity statins and use of ezetimibe and PCSK9i was low in chronic ASCVD patients. Even though statin intake was high in high-risk patients, target levels were still not reached.

7-year follow-up atherosclerotic plaque progression in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome versus diabetes mellitus and healthy controls.

Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carry a substantial burden of cardiovascular disease and subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess a 7-year follow-up atherosclerotic plaque progression in APS patients vs diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy controls (HC). Eighty-six patients with thrombotic APS, 86 with DM and 86 HC (all age- and sex-matched) who underwent a baseline ultrasound of carotid and femoral arteries were invited for a 7-year follow-up ultrasonography examination. We compared atherosclerosis progression among the three groups and examined determinants of plaque progression in APS patients. Sixty-four APS patients (75% females, 43.8% with primary APS), 58 patients with DM and 66 HC were included in the 7-year ultrasound re-evaluation. New plaque was detected in 51.6%, 36.2% and 25.8% of APS, DM and HC subjects, respectively. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and baseline plaque presence, APS patients showed a 3-fold (OR = 3.07, p= 0.007) higher risk for atherosclerosis progression vs HC and 2-fold (OR = 2.25, p= 0.047) higher risk than DM patients. In multivariate analysis in the APS group, plaque progression was independently associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) co-existence (OR = 7.78, p= 0.005) and number of CVRFs (OR = 3.02, p= 0.002), after adjusting for disease-related parameters and CVRF-related medications. Sustained low-density lipoprotein target attainment reduced plaque progression risk (OR = 0.34, p= 0.021). Half of APS patients develop new atherosclerotic plaques over a 7-year follow-up, having a three-times higher risk vs HC. Concomitant SLE and number of traditional CVRFs are associated with plaque progression, supporting the need for thorough CVRF assessment and control.

Optimal Medical Management of Atherosclerotic Intracranial Stenosis.

Reducing the high risk of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) has proven to be challenging, but aggressive medical management, with intensive risk factor control and antithrombotic therapy, has been shown to be beneficial. High-intensity statins are recommended for patients with atherosclerotic stroke, including sICAS. Ezetimibe and PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors are beneficial for those who fail to reach low-density lipoprotein targets or those with statin intolerance. The treatment target for sICAS is low-density lipoprotein <70 mg/dL. In neurologically stable patients, blood pressure should be treated to goal <140/90 mm Hg with the use of thiazide diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers preferentially. For those with diabetes, treat to goal hemoglobin A1C ≤7% for most patients through combination of diet, insulin, and hypoglycemic drugs. Some degree of physical activity (eg, walking, stationary biking with arms or legs, etc) should be encouraged in all patients with sICAS who are not severely disabled. A minimum of 10 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 4 times a week is recommended for patients who are capable of exercise. For all patients with severe sICAS (70%-99% stenosis), dual antiplatelet therapy for up to 90 days followed by single antiplatelet agent is recommended.

Functionalized Periodic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Inhibiting the Progression of Atherosclerosis by Targeting Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.

Atherosclerotic disease is a substantial global burden, and existing treatments, such as statins, are recommended to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis. However, side effects, including gastrointestinal unease, potential harm to the liver, and discomfort in the muscles, might be observed. In this study, we propose a novel method using periodic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PMS) to create heparin-modified PMS (PMS-HP) with excellent biocompatibility, enabling selective removal of LDL-C from the blood. In vitro, through the introduction of PMS-HP into the plasma of mice, we observed that, compared to PMS alone, PMS-HP could selectively adsorb LDL-C while avoiding interference with valuable components such as plasma proteins and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Notably, further investigations revealed that the adsorption of LDL-C by PMS-HP could be well-fitted to quasi-first-order (R2 = 0.993) and quasi-second-order adsorption models (R2 = 0.998). Likewise, in vivo, intravenous injection of PMS-HP enabled targeted LDL-C adsorption (6.5 ± 0.73 vs. 8.6 ± 0.76 mM, p < 0.001) without affecting other plasma constituents, contributing to reducing intravascular plaque formation (3.66% ± 1.06% vs. 1.87% ± 0.79%, p < 0.05) on the aortic wall and inhibiting vascular remodeling (27.2% ± 6.55% vs. 38.3% ± 1.99%, p < 0.05). Compared to existing lipid adsorption techniques, PMS-HP exhibited superior biocompatibility and recyclability, rendering it valuable for both in vivo and in vitro applications.

Are We Using Ezetimibe As Much As We Should?

Lipid-lowering therapies, particularly non-statin regimens, are underutilized as ~2/3 of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) are not optimally managed, and do not attain target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations, despite statin treatment. Statins have been the mainstay of hypolipidemic therapies; however, they are plagued by adverse effects, which have partly hindered their more widespread use. Ezetimibe is often the first added mode of treatment to attain LDL-C goals as it is efficacious and also allows the use of a smaller dose of statin, while the need for more expensive therapies is obviated. We herein provide a comprehensive review of the effects of ezetimibe in lipid lowering and reducing CV events and improving outcomes. Of the hypolipidemic therapies, oral ezetimibe, in contrast to newer agents, is the most convenient and/or affordable regimen to be utilized as mono- or combined therapy supported by data from CV outcomes studies attesting to its efficacy in reducing CVD risk and events. When combined with a statin, the statin dose could be lower, thus curtailing side-effects, while the hypolipidemic effect is enhanced (by ~20%) as the percentage of patients with target level LDL-C (<70 mg/dL) is higher with combined treatment versus a high-intensity statin. Ezetimibe could also serve as an alternative treatment in cases of statin intolerance. In conclusion, ezetimibe has an excellent safety/tolerability profile; it is the first added treatment to a statin that can attain LDL-C targets. In the combined therapy, the hypolipidemic effect is enhanced while the dose of statin could be lower, thus limiting the occurrence of side-effects. Ezetimibe could also serve as an alternative mode of treatment in cases of statin intolerance.

Optimal Target Low-density Lipoprotein Level for Reducing the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Optimal Target Low-density Lipoprotein Level for Reducing the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Observational study of inclisiran effectiveness in Moscow healthcare

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab, inclisiran and evolocumab) in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and failure to achieve the target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level for the period from November 21, 2022 to December 31, 2023.Material and methods. For the observational study, 50 patients were included in the inclisiran therapy group and 30 patients in the control group (patients with ASCVD receiving PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab, n=1; evolocumab, n=29)). All study participants had their anamnestic data analyzed, and initially underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography, extracranial and lower limb Doppler ultrasound, and laboratory tests (complete blood count, biochemical blood tests, lipid profile). Three medical organizations of the Moscow State Healthcare System participate in the study.Results. Interim data are presented to evaluate the effectiveness of PCSK9 targeted therapy in patients with ASCVD, obtained 3 months from the study start. The comparison groups were comparable in main clinical characteristics. When analyzing the lipid-lowering effect of inclisiran in the examined patients with ASCVD, LDL-C level significantly decreased from 2,53±0,10 mmol/l to 110±0,08 mmol/l (by 56,5%), p&lt;0,0001, while the target LDL-C level &lt;1,4 mmol/l was achieved by 77,5% of the subjects. Analysis of the lipid-lowering effect of alirocumab/evolocumab showed a significant LDL-C decrease from 2,48±0,16 mmol/l to 1,07±0,11 mmol/l (by 56,8%), p&lt;0,0001.Conclusion. The use of PCSK9 targeted therapy (alirocumab or inclisiran or evolocumab) in patients with ASCVD in Moscow make it possible to achieve target LDL-C levels, which are indicated in clinical guidelines, by 3 months.

Sex differences in adherence to treatment in patients with myocardial infarction

The aim of the study is to identify factors affecting adherence to treatment in men and women with myocardial infarction (MI).Material and methods. The study included 150 patients diagnosed with MI (47 women and 103 men). Treatment readiness was assessed according to the S.V. Davydov method and with the calculation of the integral indicator of adherence to treatment (IIAT).Results. During 6-month follow-up, men and women with MI were comparable in mortality rates, however, men were more frequently hospitalized for cardiovascular complications. Adherence to treatment was high in both genders. Treatment readiness at the time of MI indicated higher satisfaction with the results of treatment in women, and higher willingness to pay for treatment, higher confidence in the treatment strategy and a higher IIAT in men. Both women and men with MI reported a comparable number of outpatient visits within 6 months (not exceeding 56 %). Only small number of patients reached the target heart rate (HR) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content within 6 months. Patients of both genders who reached and not reached the target LDL level and HR did not differ in mortality rates, hospitalizations and adherence to treatment within 6 months. At the same time, patients who reached the target HR, regardless of gender, were more likely to make outpatient postMI visits compared with those who did not reach the targets; men with MI who did not achieve the target HR were less likely to visit a doctor, whereas women with MI who achieved the target HR and LDL were more likely to have a high IIAT during in-patient care and were more willing to pay for further treatment (an exclusive characteristic of women who reached target HR). Moreover, we have identified predictors of IIAT and achievement of HR and LDL in women and men with MI.Conclusions. Patients with MI present with sex-specific factors that are affecting treatment adherence, which should be accounted for in the development of measures for secondary prevention of disease.

Implementation study to introduce clinical guidelines on lipid metabolism disorders into routine practice: results of the first stage

Despite widespread knowledge in the management of patients with lipid metabolism disorders, their application in clinical practice is insufficient. Identification of barriers to the implementation of key principles of clinical guidelines in routine practice is the first step of the implementation study.Aim. To assess the organization and quality of care for patients with dyslipidemia in order to identify barriers to the implementation of the main principles of clinical guidelines in practice.Material and methods. An implementation study was planned, the initial stage of which was to conduct an anonymous online questionnaire among health care representatives of various levels in all Russian subjects.Results. The study involved 788 physicians, 124 heads of medical organizations and 48 chief freelance specialists from 84 Russian subjects. A wide range of barriers was identified: low availability of lipoprotein (a) testing (66,6% of physicians), coronary calcium index (79,4% of physicians, 71,8% of heads of a medical organizations, 79,2% of chief freelance specialists) and CT angiography (70,0% of physicians, 71,0% of heads of a medical organizations, 85,4% of chief freelance specialists). Lack of funds to manage lipid service (55,6% of heads of a medical organizations, 35,4% of chief freelance specialists). The key barrier to regular lipid-lowering therapy and achieving target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is lack of perceived need for treatment in patients (58,1% of physicians, 80,0% of heads of a medical organizations, 87,5% of chief freelance specialists), for PCSK9-targeted therapy — high cost (44,1% of physicians, 34,7% of heads of a medical organizations, 23,0% of chief freelance specialists). The possible fixed-dose combination therapy for dyslipidemia was positively perceived (59,7% of physicians, 42,0% of heads of a medical organizations, 35,4% of chief freelance specialists). Inclusion of innovative therapy in medicine assistance program will improve the situation in achieving target LDL-C levels (85,6% of physicians, 91,1% of heads of a medical organizations, 95,8% of chief freelance specialists).Conclusion. A wide range of barriers to the implementation of clinical guidelines on lipid metabolism disorders into practice have been identified. Based on the results obtained, the second stage of the implementation study will identify strategies aimed at eliminating the identified barriers.

Assessment of Lipid Profile Treatment Practices and Lipid Levels in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients: Results from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan

Objectives: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) stands as a global leading cause of mortality. Following AMI, meticulous management of patients' lipid profiles for secondary prevention becomes paramount. We conducted this study to assess lipid profile practices and levels in post-AMI patients, which are crucial for secondary prevention.&#x0D; Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed patients who had experienced their first AMI event in the past three 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 &lt;160 mg/dL and target LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol at &lt;55 mg/dL.&#x0D; Results: Among 195 patients, 71.3% were male, and the mean age was 57.1±10.2 years. The median duration since AMI was 36 [IQR: 10-48] months and 60% were diagnosed with STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). 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-cholesterol 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%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study highlights that while most post-AMI patients receive the recommended minimum statin therapy, the inadequate practice of lipid assessment may compromise therapy optimization and raise the risk of subsequent events.

Dyslipidaemia and its management in patients with type 2 diabetes across the Middle East and Africa: the PACT-MEA study

Abstract Background There is a scarcity of high-quality epidemiological data on the clinical burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular risk (CV) in the Middle East and Africa due to under-representation of these regions in contemporary diabetes and cardiovascular trials. Multiple risk factors, including dyslipidaemia, increase CV risk in patients with T2D and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (eASCVD) and those at risk for ASCVD. According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2021 Guidelines, target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for patients with T2D is &amp;lt;1.8 mmol/L (&amp;lt;1.4 mmol/L in patients with eASCVD or at very high risk). Purpose To establish the status of dyslipidaemia and its management in patients with T2D and eASCVD or high/very high ASCVD risk across the Middle East and Africa. Methods Adult patients with T2D participating in a cross-sectional, observational study in seven Middle East and African countries were included in the analysis. Laboratory and medication data were collected from medical charts of patients attending a routine health visit in 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the lipid profile and management of patients with T2D by age, diabetes duration, body mass index, HbA1c, microvascular complications, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). Results There were 3726 patients in the overall study sample (mean age, 58 ± 12; male, 53%), almost all of whom were at high (69%)/very high (30%, includes eASCVD) risk according to ESC 2021 guidelines. In patients for whom data was available in the medical record, median LDL-C (n=2525) was 2.2 mmol/L (IQR, 1.7 to 3.0), HDL-C (n=2453) was 1.1 mmol/L (IQR, 0.9 to 1.3), and triglycerides (n=2488) were 1.6 mmol/L (IQR, 1.2 to 2.3). Of the patients with high/very high ASCVD risk (n=2313), 30% met the ESC guideline-recommended target for LDL-C of &amp;lt;1.8 mmol/L and 16% met the target of &amp;lt;1.4mmol/L. Most patients were on statin therapy (77%, range across countries: 60%-87%, Table 1), with use increasing with age and duration of diabetes. More patients with T2D for ≥10 years were on high intensity statin therapy than those with T2D &amp;lt;10 years (37% vs 33%). A similar pattern was observed for patients with HbA1c levels ≥7% (37% vs 31%, Table 2). Most patients with nephropathy were on statins (87%); use increased with lower eGFR and higher UACR levels. Very few patients were on Ezetimibe (6.4%), fibrates (4.8%), fish oil (including icosapent ethyl) (1.4%), or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (0.5%). Conclusions Utilization of moderate intensity statin therapy (less than 50% LDL reduction) despite high and very high CV risk leads to failure to achieve cardioprotective LDL targets in most patients. Given the high burden of ASCVD in patients with T2D, prioritization of high intensity lipid lowering therapy is recommended.Table 1Table 2

Statin adherence in patients enrolled in the disease management program for coronary artery disease – comparison between patients’ and general practitioners’ self-reports and patient records

IntroductionPatients with coronary artery disease (CAD) should take a statin daily for secondary prevention. However, statin adherence in patients with CAD is low. This study investigated the proportion of adherent patients enrolled in the disease management program for CAD (DMP-CAD). Adherence was examined by comparing patients’ self-reports, general practitioners’ (GPs) self-reports, and prescription data.MethodsBetween October 2019 and March 2020, all patients enrolled in the DMP-CAD in three GP practices in Germany were invited to participate in the study. Participants completed a questionnaire on the tolerability of statins. Further, prescription data from patient records, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and GPs’ assessment of statin adherence were examined. The Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) served as a measurement tool for adherence.ResultsSeventy-four patients were included. MPR showed high statin adherence for most patients (83.8%). However, GPs did not reliably identify non-adherence in their patients. Generally, the mean LDL values were above the guideline recommendations (97.7 ± 27.9 mg/dl), with higher values in the non-adherent (123.6 ± 42 mg/dl) than in the adherent group (93.1 ± 22 mg/dl). Non-adherent patients were more likely to be employed (41.7% vs. 11.3%).DiscussionPatients in this study showed high statin adherence. However, the LDL target value was often not reached. Therefore, GPs should take advantage of the good adherence of their patients and try to lower LDL levels by adjusting the dosage and/or changing the statin prescribed. Future studies should investigate typical characteristics of non-adherent patients in DMP-CAD so that GPs can target these patient groups and improve their adherence.

The effect of achieving guideline-based target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on mortality in transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients with coronary artery disease

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effects of bringing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values to levels in line with guideline recommendations on long-term mortality in patients with a known history of coronary artery disease (CAD), undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and long-term pre-treatment with statins. Methods: This is a retrospective and observational study of patients undergoing TAVI at a tertiary heart center with a history of CAD and long-term statin therapy. Ninety-nine patients were included in the study. The relationship between LDL-C levels in accordance with the guidelines and 5-year mortality was determined by regression analysis. Results: When the study population was divided into 2 groups with and without 5-year mortality, LDL-C values were found to be significantly higher in the mortality group (120 mg/dL vs. 93.9 mg/dL, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Parameters associated with the development of 5-year mortality were evaluated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL (OR: 6.59, 95% CI: 2.17-20.01) and LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL (OR:3.88, 95% CI: 1.16-12.93) parameters were determined as independent predictors of mortality independent of other parameters. Conclusions: The most important result obtained in this study is that achieving the LDL-C level targets specified in the guidelines significantly reduces the in-hospital and 5-year mortality rates in patients with a previous history of CAD and statin use and undergoing TAVI. Although all patients included in the study used statins, the mortality rate was significantly higher in patients who did not reach the target LDL-C value.

Cardiovascular diseases and their associations with lipid parameters and endothelial dysfunction in giant cell arteritis

ObjectivesEvaluation of endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, prevalence and development of cardiovascular diseases in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).Methods138 GCA patients and 100 controls were evaluated for prevalent cardiovascular diseases...