Abstract 14646: Internal Medicine Housestaff Perceptions of Statins and ACC/AHA Blood Cholesterol Guidelines

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Flueckiger ◽  
Stephen Juraschek ◽  
Micah Eades ◽  
Amit Khera ◽  
Michael Blaha ◽  
...  

Background: Statins are integral in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Provider perceptions and prescribing practices of statins vary. Internal medicine housestaff (HS) perceptions of statins and new ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines have not previously been assessed. Methods: We examined internal medicine HS perceptions of statins and ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines through a 48-question survey. We surveyed HS at three academic training programs. Anonymous responses were collected via a secure website. Results: 99 respondents’ results (84% categorical residents) were examined from Emory, Johns Hopkins, and UTSW. HS report observing low rates of statin side effects: 64% and 91% reported rates of <3% and <10%. Majority of side effects were myalgias (69%), transaminitis (23%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (5%). Over half (54%) of respondents check transaminases prior to statin therapy. If transaminitis >1-2x upper limit of normal (ULN) develop only 6% of residents stop statin therapy, though 62% stop therapy if transaminitis >3x ULN. In stable liver disease, 13% use non-statin therapy. Most residents (73%) agree that patients understand why they are prescribed statins and feel compliance is influenced by experienced/perceived risk of side effects (44%), cost (30%), and medical benefit (13%). However, HS do not discuss side effects in 25% of patients and only 44% agree patients frequently ask about side effects. Additionally, only 51% of HS discuss ASCVD risk with a majority of patients. HS perceive high rates of statin adherence (87% state >50% adherence at one year). Of 61 HS, 72% learned of new lipid guidelines through residency training. Nearly all (89%) read a portion of the guidelines and are likely to implement them (97%). However, only 57% agree the guidelines are clear or straightforward to apply in clinical practice and 66% agreed the guidelines will improve/reduce ASCVD risk. Only 48% agree new guidelines will improve quality of patient care. Conclusion: Practice patterns of statin therapy vary among medicine HS. Side effects and ASCVD risk are not frequently discussed with patients. Though HS are aware of new cholesterol guidelines, a gap exists between implementation and perceived benefits/ASCVD risk reduction.

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002199979
Author(s):  
Roshni P. Emmons ◽  
Nicholas V. Hastain ◽  
Todd A. Miano ◽  
Jason J. Schafer

Background: Recent studies suggest that statins are underprescribed in patients living with HIV (PLWH) at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but none have assessed if eligible patients receive the correct statin and intensity compared to uninfected controls. Objectives: The primary objective was to determine whether statin-eligible PLWH are less likely to receive appropriate statin therapy compared to patients without HIV. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated statin eligibility and prescribing among patients in both an HIV and internal medicine clinic at an urban, academic medical center from June-September 2018 using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline on treating blood cholesterol to reduce ASCVD risk. Patients were assessed for eligibility and actual treatment with appropriate statin therapy. Characteristics of patients appropriately and not appropriately treated were compared with chi-square testing and predictors for receiving appropriate statin therapy were determined with logistic regression. Results: A total of 221/300 study subjects were statin-eligible. Fewer statin-eligible PLWH were receiving the correct statin intensity for their risk benefit group versus the uninfected control group (30.2% vs 67.0%, p < 0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, PLWH were significantly less likely to receive appropriate statin therapy, while those with polypharmacy were more likely to receive appropriate statin therapy. Conclusion: Our study reveals that PLWH may be at a disadvantage in receiving appropriate statin therapy for ASCVD risk reduction. This is important given the heightened risk for ASCVD in this population, and strategies that address this gap in care should be explored.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giselle Alexandra Suero Abreu ◽  
Aris Karatasakis ◽  
Sana Rashid ◽  
Maciej Tysarowski ◽  
Analise Y Douglas ◽  
...  

Introduction: Appropriate lipid-lowering therapies are essential for the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The aim of this study is to identify discrepancies between cholesterol management guidelines and current practice in an underserved population, with a focus on statin treatment. Methods: We reviewed the records of 1,042 consecutive patients seen between August 2018 and August 2019 in an outpatient academic primary care clinic. Eligibility for statin and other lipid-lowering therapies was determined based on the 2018 American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guideline on the management of blood cholesterol. Results: Among 464 statin-eligible patients, age was 61.1 +/- 10.4 years and 53.9% were female. Most patients were Black (47.2%), followed by Hispanic (45.7%), and White (5.0%). Overall, 82.1% of patients were prescribed a statin. Statin-eligible patients who qualified based only on a 10-year ASCVD risk > 7.5% were less likely to be prescribed a statin (32.8%, p<0.001). After adjustment for gender and health insurance status, appropriate statin treatment was independently associated with age > 55 years (OR = 4.59 [95% CI 1.09 - 16.66], p = 0.026), hypertension (OR = 2.38 [95% CI 1.29 - 4.38], p = 0.005) and chronic kidney disease (OR = 3.95 [95% CI 1.42 - 14.30], p = 0.017). Factors independently associated with statin undertreatment were Black race (OR = 0.42 [95% CI 0.23 - 0.77], p = 0.005), and statin-eligibility based solely on an elevated 10-year ASCVD risk (OR = 0.14 [95% CI 0.07 - 0.25], p < 0.001). Hispanic patients were more likely to be on appropriate statin therapy when compared to Black patients (86.8% vs 77.2%). Conclusion: Statin underprescription is seen in approximately one out of five eligible patients, and is independently associated with Black race, younger age, fewer comorbidities, and eligibility via 10-year ASCVD risk only. Hispanic patients are more likely to be on appropriate statin therapy compared to Black patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S179-S180
Author(s):  
Jason J Schafer ◽  
Roshni Patel ◽  
Nicholas V Hastain ◽  
Todd Miano

Abstract Background Patients living with HIV (PLWH) at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) should receive risk reduction interventions recommended in current guidelines. This includes routine ASCVD risk assessments and when eligible, statins selected and dosed to achieve appropriate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction. Recent studies suggest that statins are underprescribed in PLWH, but none have assessed if eligible patients receive the correct statin intensity compared with uninfected controls. Methods This retrospective study evaluated statin eligibility and prescribing among consecutive patients in an HIV clinic and an internal medicine clinic at an urban, academic medical center from June-September 2018. To determine statin eligibility, the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline on treating blood cholesterol to reduce ASCVD risk was used. Patients aged 40–75 that had a lipid panel obtained within the last year were included. All patients were assessed to determine eligibility for and actual treatment with appropriate statin therapy. Characteristics of patients correctly and incorrectly treated with statins were compared with chi-square testing and predictors for receiving correct statin therapy were determined with logistic multivariable regression. Results A total of 221/300 study subjects were statin eligible (Table 1). While many eligible PLWH were receiving a statin (54/106), considerably fewer were on the correct statin intensity for their benefit group (33/106). In the univariate analysis (Table 2), correctly treated patients were less likely to be PLWH or female, and were more likely to have polypharmacy and hypertension. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis (Table 3), PLWH (OR 0.26, CI95 0.12–0.57)) were significantly less likely to receive correct statin therapy, while those with concomitant polypharmacy were significantly more likely to receive correct statin therapy (OR 5.52, CI95 1.94, 15.69). Conclusion This study reveals that PLWH may be at a substantial disadvantage in terms of receiving correct statin therapy for ASCVD risk reduction. This finding may be particularly important given the heightened risk for ASCVD in this patient population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Maddox ◽  
William Borden ◽  
Fengming Tang ◽  
Salim Virani ◽  
William Oetgen ◽  
...  

Background: In a significant update, the 2013 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines recommend fixed-dose statin therapy for those at risk and do not recommend non-statin therapies or treatment to target LDL-C levels, limiting the need for repeated LDL-C testing. We examined the implications of these updated guidelines on current lipid treatment and testing patterns in a national registry of cardiology practices. Methods: Using NCDR® PINNACLE Registry® data from 2008 to 2012, we assessed current practice patterns as a function of the 2013 cholesterol guidelines. Lipid-lowering therapies and LDL-C testing patterns by patient risk group (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), diabetes, off-treatment LDL-C ≥190mg/dL, or an estimated 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5%) were described. Results: Among a cohort of 1,174,545 patients, 1,129,205 (96.1%) were statin-eligible (91.2% ASCVD, 6.6% diabetes, 0.3% off-treatment LDL-C ≥190mg/dL, 1.9% estimated 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5%). 377,311 (32.4%) patients were not receiving statin therapy and 259,143 (22.6%) were receiving non-statin therapies. 20.8% patients had 2 or more LDL-C assessments during the study period, and 7.0% had more than 4 assessments. Conclusions: In U.S. cardiovascular practices, 32.4% of statin-eligible patients, as defined by the 2013 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines, were not currently receiving them. In addition, 22.6% were receiving non-statin lipid-lowering therapies and 20.8% had repeated LDL-C testing. Achieving concordance with the new cholesterol guidelines would result in significant increases in statin use, as well as significant reductions in non-statin therapies and laboratory testing.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S503-S504
Author(s):  
Sarah M Michienzi ◽  
Thomas D Chiampas ◽  
Amy Valkovec ◽  
Siria Arzuaga ◽  
Mahesh C Patel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The 2018 American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) 2018 Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol included human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk enhancer for the first time. Our study investigates if patients living with HIV in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) were prescribed appropriate HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy following release of these guidelines based on risk. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients with &gt; 1 visit in our multidisciplinary HIV IDOC Telemedicine Clinic from 1/1/19-6/1/19. Our prescriptive authority is limited to HIV and directly related conditions, and we provide recommendations to on-site providers for other comorbidities. Included patients were &gt; 18 years of age, HIV positive, and incarcerated within IDOC. Excluded patients had existing ASCVD. Data from the first visit in the study period were extracted from the electronic medical record and analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics. Primary objectives were to quantify ASCVD risk and appropriate statin use in our population. Results Of the 158 patients included, average age was 42 years. The majority were male (89%), Black (73%), overweight/obese (117/148, 79%), on an integrase single-tablet regimen (78%), with CD4 &gt;200 cells/µL (97%), and HIV RNA &lt; 20 copies/mL (85%). Of the 18 females, 8 were transgender. Within the prior year, 65% had a lipid panel. For the 50 patients meeting criteria for 10-year ASCVD estimation, median (range) risk was 6.6% (0.8% - 31.9%). Only 12 patients were on statins. Of these, all were indicated per AHA/ACC guidelines with 10 prescribed appropriate intensity. An additional 45 patients had indications for statins but were untreated. In total, 47 patients (30%) were not receiving appropriate statin therapy. Conclusion Results of our study suggest ASCVD risk management is an area of improvement for inmates living with HIV, especially as we look towards caring for an aging HIV population. Future directions include comparing these data to data from a later time point to evaluate time for guideline uptake. Disclosures Thomas D. Chiampas, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP, Gilead (Employee)


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-305
Author(s):  
Carrie Koenigsfeld ◽  
Morgan Sayler ◽  
Hayden L. Smith ◽  
Kristin Meyer ◽  
Nicholas Lehman ◽  
...  

Purpose: Study goal was to assess the impact of the 2013 American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Cholesterol Guidelines on patients in the fourth statin benefit group which included patients aged 40 to 75 years, without diabetes or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and have an ASCVD score ≥7.5%. These patients could benefit from treatment interventions by a pharmacist. Methods: Patients were identified from electronic health records. A sample of 3503 patients was ascertained from having a lipid panel performed within the 12 months before November 1, 2013. Patients were excluded if we were unable to calculate 10-year ASCVD risk. Results: A total of 3203 patients were included, with 2008 not on statin therapy. Of those, 1507 (75%) had a 10-year ASCVD risk score <7.5% and 501 (25%) had a score > 7.5%. Patient characteristics leading to an increase in risk included advanced age, smoker, male, and hypertension treatment. Of 2008 nonstatin patients, there were 466 (23.2%) who fit criteria for initiation of moderate- or high-intensity statin. Conclusion: Widespread adoption of the 2013 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Guidelines will expand prescribing rates of statins. Implementing screening strategies may help identify patients who require treatment in this fourth statin benefit group. A pharmacist can be vital in screening patients, educating patients regarding the need for medication therapy, and monitoring for adherence in these new regimens.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pansy Elsamadisi ◽  
Agnes Cha ◽  
Elise Kim ◽  
Safia Latif

Background: The 2013 Cholesterol Guidelines include a new atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk calculator that determines the 10-year risk of coronary heart disease and/or stroke. The applicability of this calculator and its predecessor, the Framingham risk score (FRS) in Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III, has been limited in patients with HIV. The objective of this study was to compare the risk scores of ASCVD and FRS in the initiation of statin therapy in patients with HIV. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with HIV on statin therapy from October 1, 2013, to April 1, 2014. Data collection included patient demographics, pertinent laboratory test results, and medication list. The primary end point evaluated the level of agreement between the guidelines. Results: Of 155 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 116 were treated similarly with both guidelines. This showed a moderate level of agreement ( P < .001). Forty-eight of 86 patients requiring statins were placed on the correct intensity statin using the 2013 guidelines. Regardless of which guideline, a majority of patients required statin therapy. Conclusion: A moderate agreement was found between both guidelines in terms of statin use when applied to an HIV patient population. Based on the 2013 guidelines and taking into account drug interactions with antiretrovirals, 44.2% of the patients were treated with an incorrect statin intensity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25
Author(s):  
Cezary Wójcik

The focus of 2013 cholesterol guidelines to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) released by American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) is the administration of high intensity statin therapy to specific four groups of patients, which were found to benefit the most from such therapy. They no longer promote achieving specific LDL-C goals with a combination therapy involving statins and other drugs, as advocated by the former ATP-III guidelines as well as current guidelines of European Atherosclerosis Society, International Atherosclerosis Society or National Lipid Association. Such approach has been dictated by the strict reliance on randomized controlled trials as the only acceptable level of evidence. However, since publication of the 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines, cardiovascular benefits of ezetimibe added to statin therapy have been established. Moreover, the advent of PCSK9 inhibitors, providing a powerful supplement and/or alternative to statin therapy, further complicates the therapeutic horizon in dyslipdiemias. It is very likely that a new set of ACC/AHA guidelines will be published in 2016, with a return of specific LDL-C and Non-HDL-C goals of therapy as well as integration of drugs other than statins. As the treatment of dyslipidemias becomes more complex, the need for the subspecialty of clinical lipidology to be officially recognized becomes more evident.


2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliza Hussain ◽  
Christie M. Ballantyne

Although numerous trials have convincingly shown benefits of statin therapy in both primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), most showed relative risk reductions of 25–40%, and thus many individuals continue to have ASCVD events despite statin therapy. Substantial progress has been made in developing therapies that address the residual risk for ASCVD despite statin therapy. In this review, we summarize progress of currently available therapies along with therapies under development that further reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins, reduce lipoprotein(a), reduce ASCVD events in patients with high triglycerides, and directly target inflammation to reduce ASCVD risk. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Medicine, Volume 72 is January 27, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


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