scholarly journals Different perspectives of patients and physicians on LDL-C target achievement in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: results on secondary prevention from the German PROCYON survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Weingaertner ◽  
L Beier ◽  
K Stein

Abstract Background Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in hypercholesterolemia patients at very high cardiovascular (CV) risk is essential in preventing future CV events. However, LDL-C targets often remain unattained. Purpose The purpose of the present survey was to identify possible reasons for insufficient LDL-C target achievement despite the availability of efficacious lipid lowering drugs in the clinical setting of hypercholesterolemia management in secondary prevention patients in Germany. Methods PROCYON was an online survey with over 5,000 participants on disease perception, awareness, burden, and management of hypercholesterolemia consisting of a patient survey (PROCYON A) and a healthcare practitioner (HCP) survey (PROCYON B). To quantify patient self-activation, the PAM-13 Patient Activation Measure by Insignia Health was incorporated. Results on 1,696 patients in secondary prevention are presented. Results Most post-CV event patients do not achieve their LDL-C target. HCPs assume patients' poor adherence to medication and lifestyle adaptions to be the most important reason (Figure 1). However, this contradicts the patients' perception. Accordingly, 87% of the patients are on a lipid lowering therapy and 81% of them have stated to take their medication regularly. They rank their medication for LDL-C reduction as equally important as that for other diseases. In contrast, HCPs think that 46% of their patients do not take hypercholesterolemia seriously. However, HCPs also believe, that LDL target attainment is still “important” or “very important” to 81% of their patients. This is in line with the patients' perception: 84% of the patients consider reaching their target as “important” or “very important”. PAM-13 results underline these results: 60% of the patients are already activated and want to gain control over their disease (PAM-13 level 3 of 4) and 12% reach highest self-activation levels (level 4 of 4). The HCP remains the major source of information for 77% of the patients and only 42% reach out for online resources. The importance of educating patients on adherence is acknowledged by all HCPs. Therefore, 71% express their desire of educational material. With respect to LDL-C levels, 49% of the patients reported no improvement. Of the patients under treatment without LDL-C improvement, only 23% take more than one drug, and 47% reported a change of dose. Furthermore, collaboration between GPs and specialists (cardiologists, diabetologists, lipidologists) was not evident. Conclusion Although secondary prevention patients are motivated to pursue their LDL-C targets, HCPs consider patient adherence as major reason for failure. Instead, the survey indicated that therapeutic strategies are not fully exhausted and there is space for treatment improvement either by dose escalation or addition of further lipid lowering drugs. Furthermore, patient education and specialist collaboration could improve patient management. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novartis Pharma GmbH Figure 1

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 781-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong Euy Park ◽  
Chern-En Chiang ◽  
Muhammad Munawar ◽  
Gia Khai Pham ◽  
Apichard Sukonthasarn ◽  
...  

Background: Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in Asia is rarely evaluated on a large scale, and data on treatment outcome are scarce. The Pan-Asian CEPHEUS study aimed to assess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients on lipid-lowering therapy. Methods: This survey was conducted in eight Asian countries. Hypercholesterolaemic patients aged ≥18 years who had been on lipid-lowering treatment for ≥3 months (stable medication for ≥6 weeks) were recruited, and lipid concentrations were measured. Demographic and other clinically relevant information were collected, and the cardiovascular risk of each patient was determined. Definitions and criteria set by the updated 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines were applied. Results: In this survey, 501 physicians enrolled 8064 patients, of whom 7281 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 61.0 years, 44.4% were female, and 85.1% were on statin monotherapy. LDL-C goal attainment was reported in 49.1% of patients overall, including 51.2% of primary and 48.7% of secondary prevention patients, and 36.6% of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. The LDL-C goal was attained in 75.4% of moderate risk, 55.4% of high risk, and only 34.9% of very high-risk patients. Goal attainment was directly related to age and inversely related to cardiovascular risk and baseline LDL-C. Conclusion: A large proportion of Asian hypercholesterolaemic patients on lipid-lowering drugs are not at recommended LDL-C levels and remain at risk for cardiovascular disease. Given the proven efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs in the reduction of LDL-C, there is room for further optimization of treatments to maximize benefits and improve outcomes.


Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gmerice Hammond ◽  
Heidi Mochari-Greenberger ◽  
Ming Liao ◽  
Lori Mosca

Background: Despite the proven benefits of lipid lowering therapy for the prevention of recurrent CHD, research has consistently shown that women are less likely than men to be at established LDL targets. The reasons for the gender gap remain elusive. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that having a caregiver is independently associated with adherence to Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III LDL goals for secondary prevention, and to determine if the association varies by gender. Methods: We studied 2190 consecutive patients admitted to the cardiac service of an academic medical center as part of the NHLBI sponsored Family Cardiac Caregiver Investigation To Evaluate Outcomes (FIT-O) Study (93% participation rate). Patients with CHD or equivalent, and a documented LDL within 12 months of admission were included in this analysis (58% white, 66% male, mean age 67 yrs). Caregiver status was assessed by a standardized interviewer-assisted questionnaire and was classified as either paid (nurse/home aide) or informal (family member/friend). Lipid levels and statin use were obtained from a hospital-based informatics system and medical chart review. ATP III targets were classified as target (LDL<100 mg/dL) and aggressive target (LDL<70 mg/dL). The associations between caregiving and LDL were assessed using chi square statistics, overall and stratified by gender. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for confounders (age, marital status, race, gender, health insurance, statin use, comorbidities). Results: Males with CHD were more likely than females with CHD to be at target LDL <100 [79% (1149/1446) vs 69% (515/744) respectively; p=0.0001], and at LDL<70 [48% (688/1446) vs 36% (271/744); p<0.0001]. The prevalence of caregiving overall was 40% (N= 879/2190; 13% paid; 27% informal only), and did not differ by gender. Having an informal caregiver was significantly associated with LDL<70 (OR=1.35; 95%CI=1.07-1.70), and this remained significant after multivariable adjustment for confounders (OR=1.25; 95% CI=1.00-1.56). The association between caregiving and LDL<100 did not reach significance (OR=1.20; 95% CI=0.95-1.51). In stratified analysis, men with an informal caregiver were more likely than men without a caregiver to have an LDL<70 (OR=1.35; 95%CI=1.07-1.70); this remained significant after multivariable adjustment for confounders, including statin use (OR=1.37; 95%CI=1.04-1.80). The relation between caregiving and LDL control was not significant among women. Conclusion: Men with CHD were more likely to be at ATP III targets LDL <70 and <100 mg/dL than women with CHD. Having an informal caregiver was a significant predictor of being at aggressive target LDL <70mg/dL among men but not among women, even after adjustment for confounders. The potential role of caregiving as a novel contributor to gender disparities in LDL control deserves further study.


2019 ◽  
pp. 40-52
Author(s):  
Maksim Maksimov ◽  
Anastasia Shikaleva ◽  
Aleksandra Kuchaeva

Representatives of different groups of lipid-lowering drugs may have some differences in the nature and severity of the effect on the blood lipid spectrum. A new class of drugs, PCSK9 inhibitors, whose activity is associated with a protein involved in the control of low density lipoprotein receptors, has recently appeared. In clinical practice, this group is represented by monoclonal antibody preparations evolocumab and alirocumab. PCSK9 inhibitors are promising drugs for use in combination lipid-lowering therapy, which so far, given the results of clinical studies, can be recommended in the third place after statins and ezetimibe. In clinical studies, it was shown that alirocoumab and evolocumab alone or in combination with statins and/or other lipid-lowering drugs significantly reduce cholesterol levels in low density lipoproteins – by an average of 60%, depending on the dose.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
A. E. Nikitin ◽  
E. E. Averin ◽  
D. E. Rozhkov ◽  
A. V. Sozykin ◽  
G. A. Procenko

Aim. To study the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, alirocumab, on lipid levels in patients who receive secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and require enhanced lipid-lowering therapy.Material and methods. The study included 49 patients (aged of 61.53±1.14 years; 31 [63.3%] men) receiving alirocumab who did not reach the target low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations despite the ongoing optimal lipid-lowering therapy. In all patients, the initial level of lipids was evaluated, as well as their parameters after subsequent alirocumab injections.Results. LDL-C serum level significantly decreased after the first injection compared to the initial level from 2.92±0.22 to 1.65±0.19 mmol/L (p<0.001; Δ45.31±3.61%) and down to 1.74±0.17 mmol/L for the entire study period (p<0.001; Δ41.52±2.69%). The change in LDL-C level between injections did not show statistically significant differences (p=0.141). A direct strong statistically significant correlation between the LDL-C level after the first injection and its average values for the entire observation period was found (r=0.958, p<0.001).Conclusion. The results of the study indicate that the PCSK9 inhibitor, alirocumab, in patients who need secondary prevention of CVD shows a significant additional decrease in the concentration of LDL-C after the first injection. At the same time, approximately half of the patients were able to achieve the recommended levels of LDL-C. The persistence of the achieved low LDL-C levels over time demonstrated that the average concentration of LDL-C during the observation corresponded to the values after the first injection. This finding shows that there is no need for constant monitoring of lipid metabolism parameters when prescribing such therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bimmer E. Claessen ◽  
Paul Guedeney ◽  
C. Michael Gibson ◽  
Dominick J. Angiolillo ◽  
Davide Cao ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite many improvements in its prevention and management, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Lipid management is an important part of secondary prevention after ACS, but many patients currently remain undertreated and do not attain guideline‐recommended levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction. This review details the current state of evidence on lipid management in patients presenting with ACS, provides directions for identification of patients who may benefit from early escalation of lipid‐lowering therapy, and discusses novel lipid‐lowering medication that is currently under investigation in clinical trials. Moreover, a treatment algorithm aimed at attaining guideline‐recommended low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels is proposed. Despite important advances in the initial treatment and secondary prevention of ACS, ≈20% of ACS survivors experience a subsequent ischemic cardiovascular event within 24 months, and 5‐year mortality ranges from 19% to 22%. Knowledge of the current state of evidence‐based lipid management after ACS is of paramount importance to improve outcomes after ACS.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1029-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinjie Lu

Background:One of the important factors in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism is the LDL receptor (LDLR) by its capacity to bind and subsequently clear cholesterol derived from LDL (LDL-C) in the circulation. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a newly discovered serine protease that destroys LDLR in the liver and thereby controls the levels of LDL in plasma. Inhibition of PCSK9-mediated degradation of LDLR has, therefore, become a novel target for lipid-lowering therapy.Methods:We review the current understanding of the structure and function of PCSK9 as well as its implications for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.Results:New treatments such as monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 may be useful agents to lower plasma levels of LDL and hence prevent atherosclerosis.Conclusion:PCSK9's mechanism of action is not yet fully clarified. However, treatments that target PCSK9 have shown striking early efficacy and promise to improve the lives of countless patients with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohan Xu ◽  
Meng Chai ◽  
Yujing Cheng ◽  
Pingan Peng ◽  
Xiaoli Liu ◽  
...  

Aims: To explore early intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Background: Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Due to many reasons, the need for early intensive lipid-lowering therapy is far from being met in Chinese NSTE-ACS patients at high-risk of recurrent ischaemic events. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of starting evolocumab in hospital to lower LDL-C levels in Chinese patients with NSTE-ACS. Methods: In this prospective cohort study initiated by researchers, 334 consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS who had sub-standard LDL-C levels (LDL-C ≥2.3 mmol/L after regular oral statin treatment for at least 4 weeks; or LDL-C ≥3.2 mmol/L without regular oral statin treatment) were included. Patients who agreed to treatment with evolocumab (140 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks, initiated in hospital and used for 12 weeks after discharge) were enrolled in the evolocumab group (n=96) and others in the control group (n=238). All enrolled patients received regular statin treatment (atorvastatin 20 mg/day or rosuvastatin 10 mg/day; doses unchanged throughout the study).The primary endpoint was the change in LDL-C levels from baseline to week 12. Results: Most patients (67.1%) had not received regular statin treatment before. In the evolocumab group, LDL-C levels decreased significantly at week 4 and remained stable at week 8 and 12 (all p<0.001). At week 12, the LDL-C percentage change from baseline in the evolocumab group was -79.2±12.7% (from an average of 3.7 to 0.7 mmol/L), while in the control group it was -37.4±15.4% (from an average of 3.3 to 2.0 mmol/L). The mean difference between these 2 groups was -41.8% (95% CI -45.0 to -38.5%; p<0.001). At week 12, the proportions of patients with LDL-C levels <1.8 mmol/L and 1.4 mmol/L in the evolocumab group were significantly higher than in the control group (96.8 vs 36.1%; 90.6 vs 7.1%; both p<0.001). The incidence of adverse events and cardiovascular events was similar in both groups. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study we evaluated the early initiation of evolocumab in NSTE-ACS patients in China. Evolocumab combined with statins significantly lowered LDL-C levels and increased the probability of achieving recommended LDL-C levels, with satisfactory safety and well tolerance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K.K Ray ◽  
S Bray ◽  
A.L Catapano ◽  
N Poulter ◽  
G Villa

Abstract Background/Introduction For patients at very-high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, the 2016 ESC/EAS dyslipidaemia guidelines recommended lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) to achieve an LDL-C level below 70 mg/dL. This was lowered to an LDL-C level below 55 mg/dL in the 2019 guidelines. Purpose To assess: 1) the risk profile of European patients with established atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) receiving LLT; and 2) the treatment gap between the estimated risk and the population benefits if all patients were to achieve LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL. Methods We used data from Da Vinci, an observational cross-sectional study conducted across 18 European countries. Data were collected at a single visit between June 2017 and November 2018, for consented adults who had received any LLT in the prior 12 months and had an LDL-C measurement in the prior 14 months. LDL-C level was assessed at least 28 days after starting the most recent LLT (stabilised LLT). For each patient with established ASCVD receiving stabilised LLT, we: 1) calculated their absolute LDL-C reduction required to achieve LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL; 2) predicted their 10-year CV risk using the REACH score based on demographic and medical history; 3) simulated their relative risk reduction (RRR) by randomly sampling from the probability distribution of the rate ratio per 38.7 mg/dL (1 mmol/L) estimated by the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists Collaboration meta-analysis; and 4) calculated their absolute risk reduction (ARR) achieved by meeting LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL. Results A total of 2039 patients with established ASCVD were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) LDL-C was 83.1 (35.2) mg/dL. 40.4% and 19.3% of patients achieved LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL, respectively. Mean (SD) 10-year CV risk calculated using the REACH score was 36.3% (15.4%). Mean absolute LDL-C reductions of 19.6 mg/dL and 30.4 mg/dL were needed to reach LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL, respectively. When adjusted for the LDL-C reduction required to achieve an LDL-C level of 70 mg/dL, mean ARR was 3.0%, leaving a mean (SD) residual 10-year CV risk of 33.3% (15.5%). When adjusted for the LDL-C reduction required to achieve an LDL-C level of 55 mg/dL, mean ARR was 4.6%, leaving a mean (SD) residual 10-year CV risk of 31.7% (15.2%). Conclusion(s) In a contemporary European cohort with ASCVD receiving LLT, the 10-year risk of CV events is high and many patients do not achieve LDL-C levels of 55 mg/dL or even of 70 mg/dL. Moreover, even if all patients were to achieve recommended LDL-C levels, they would still remain at a high residual risk of CV events. These data suggest these patients require even more intensive LLT. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amgen


2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (17) ◽  
pp. 669-675
Author(s):  
Gábor Simonyi

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor. To achieve lipid targets patient adherence is a particularly important issue. Aim: To assess adherence and persistence to statin therapy in patients with atherosclerotic disease who participated in the MULTI Goal Attainment Problem 2013 (MULTI GAP 2013) study. Patient adherence was assessed using estimation by the physicians in charge and analysis of pick up rate of prescribed statins in 319 patients based on data of National Health Insurance Fund Administration of Hungary. Method: In the MULTI GAP 2013 study, data from standard and structured questionnaires of 1519 patients were processed. Serum lipid values of patients treated by different healthcare professionals (general practitioners, cardiologists, diabetologists, neurologists, and internists), treatment adherence of patients assessed by doctors and treatment adherence based on data of National Health Insurance Fund Administration of Hungary were analysed. Satisfaction of doctors with results of statin therapy and the relationship between the level of adherence and serum lipid values were also evaluated. Results: Considering the last seven years of survey data, the use of more effective statins became more prevalent with an about 70% increase of prescriptions of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin from 49% to 83%. Patients with LDL-cholesterol level below 2.5 mmol/l had 8 prescriptions per year. In contrast, patients who had LDL-cholesterol levels above 2.5 mmol/l had only 5.3–6.3 prescriptions per year. Patients who picked up their statins 10–12 or 7–9 times per year had significantly lower LDL-cholesterol level than those who had no or 1–3 pick up. The 100% persistence assessed by doctors was significantly lower (74%) based on data from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration of Hungary. About half of the patients were considered to display 100% adherence to lipid-lowering therapy by their doctors, while data from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration of Hungary showed only 36%. In patients with better adherence (90–100%) LDL-cholesterol levels below 2.5 mmol/l were more frequent (59.5%) compared to those with worse adherence. Satisfaction of doctors with lipid targets achieved was 69–80% in patients with total cholesterol between 4.5 and 6 mmol/l, and satisfaction with higher cholesterol values was also high (53–54%). Conclusions: The results show that doctors may overestimate patient adherence to lipid-lowering treatment. Based on data from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration of Hungary, satisfaction of doctors with high lipid level appears to be high. There is a need to optimize not only patient adherence, but adherence of doctors to lipid guidelines too.


Vascular ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingjie Su ◽  
Kunxiong Yuan ◽  
Faqing Long ◽  
Zhongqin Wan ◽  
Chaoyun Li ◽  
...  

Survivors of ischemic stroke are still at a significant risk for recurrence. Numerous effective strategies for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke have now been established; however, these guidelines are not widely known. In this retrospective, a multicenter study was conducted from January 2011 to February 2012 in 10 general hospitals, which included 1300 elderly patients who had previously been diagnosed with ischemic stroke and re-admitted to hospitals. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the relationship between compliance with secondary prevention therapy and each variable of interest. The treatment rates of antihypertensive, antiplatelet and lipid-lowering therapy were only 56.3%, 48.9% and 19.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis presented that cardiovascular risk factors would motivate patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia to receive corresponding treatments. However, it is worth noting that they did not influence the use of antiplatelet therapy. In addition, high education, health education and insurance promote the use of secondary prevention in patients. In conclusion, the importance of antiplatelet therapy should not be ignored any more. Besides, health education will raise patients’ attention to ischemic stroke.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document