scholarly journals Is Treatment Inertia Unique to Publicly Funded Healthcare? Insights from the Guidelines Oriented Approach to Lipid lowering (GOAL) Canada Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Anatoly Langer
Keyword(s):  
Private Insurance ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Public Insurance ◽  
Similar Treatment ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
Oriented Approach

Background: We compared the use of lipid lowering therapy, low density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and proportion achieving guideline-recommended LDL-C levels in patients with private vs. public insurance coverage for their lipid lowering treatment. Materials and Methods: Guidelines Oriented Approach to Lipid lowering (GOAL) Canada enrolled 2009 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and an LDL-C above the guideline-recommended target of <2.0 mmol/L despite maximally tolerated statin therapy. During two follow-up visits physicians received online reminders of treatment recommendations. Results: Of 2009 patients enrolled (median age 63 years, 42% female), there were 1284 (64%) patients with private and 725 (36%) with public insurance for lipid lowering therapy. Patients with private insurance were younger and less likely to have a history of heart failure or to be on bile acid sequestrants. There was no difference between the groups in their lipid levels or lipid lowering therapy at baseline. During the follow up, there was no difference in the use of ezetimibe; however, the use of PCSK9i was more frequent in patients with private insurance (31.7 % vs. 21%, p<0.0001), the mean LDL-C level was slightly lower (2.11±1.17 vs. 2.31±1.17 mmol/L, p = 0.001), and the proportion of patients achieving the guideline-recommended LDL-C level was greater (54% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.001). After adjustment for other factors in a multivariable model, private insurance was not a significant predictor of achieving the guideline-recommended LDL-C level in a multivariable model. Conclusion: While PCSK9i use was higher in patients with private insurance, the majority of patients with either private or public insurance experienced similar treatment inertia. The cost of non-generic medications does not appear to be the dominant reason for the continued care gap in lipid lowering of high-risk patients.

The Effects of Lipid-Lowering Therapy on Serum Eicosapentaenoic Acid to Arachidonic Acid Ratio: An HIJ-PROPER Sub-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 548-555
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Arashi ◽  
Junichi Yamaguchi ◽  
Erisa Kawada-Watanabe ◽  
Hisao Otsuki ◽  
Haruki Sekiguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
Acid Ratio

Background: Controversy remains regarding the influence of lipid-lowering therapy on the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio. Objective: This study aimed to clarify the effects of lipid-lowering therapy on the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This was a post hoc sub-analysis of the Heart Institute of Japan-PRoper level of lipid-lowering with pitavastatin and ezetimibe in ACS study. We compared the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio changes from baseline to the 3-month follow-up after contemporary lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin + ezetimibe therapy and pitavastatin mono-therapy. Results: Among patients with ACS and dyslipidemia, the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid increased significantly in the pitavastatin mono-therapy group (0.40 ± 0.26 to 0.46 ± 0.34, P < .0001) but did not increase in the pitavastatin + ezetimibe group (0.37 ± 0.22 to 0.38 ± 0.27, P = .18). When the analysis was limited to patients who received 2 mg/day of pitavastatin during the follow-up period, these trends in changes of the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio remained unchanged. Multivariate analysis showed that ezetimibe use ( P = .005; β = 0.09), ST-elevation myocardial infarction ( P = .04; β = −0.01), and baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level ( P = .0003; β = 0.12) were independent predictors of the percentage change in the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio. These trends were similar even when the analysis was limited to patients who did not take statins at enrollment. Conclusion: Standard lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin mono-therapy improved the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio for patients with ACS. Intensive lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin + ezetimibe did not improve the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio, although LDL-C decreased significantly. Inhibition of the improvement in the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio by adding ezetimibe may affect cardiovascular disease prognosis.

scholarly journals U-Shaped Relationship of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Risk of Severe COVID-19 From a Multicenter Pooled Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiao Gong ◽  
Yaqiong Chen ◽  
Yusheng Jie ◽  
Mingkai Tan ◽  
Zhaofang Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
Severe Group

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a well-known risk factor for coronary heart disease but protects against infection and sepsis. We aimed to disclose the exact association between LDL-C and severe 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Baseline data were retrospectively collected for 601 non-severe COVID-19 patients from two centers in Guangzhou and one center in Shenzhen, and patients on admission were medically observed for at least 15 days to determine the final outcome, including the non-severe group (n = 460) and the severe group (severe and critical cases) (n = 141). Among 601 cases, 76 (12.65%) received lipid-lowering therapy; the proportion of patients taking lipid-lowering drugs in the severe group was higher than that in the non-severe group (22.7 vs. 9.6%). We found a U-shaped association between LDL-C level and risk of severe COVID-19 using restricted cubic splines. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, odds ratios for severe COVID-19 for patients with LDL-C ≤1.6 mmol/L (61.9 mg/dL) and above 3.4 mmol/L (131.4 mg/dL) were 2.29 (95% confidence interval 1.12–4.68; p = 0.023) and 2.02 (1.04–3.94; p = 0.039), respectively, compared to those with LDL-C of 2.81–3.40 mmol/L (108.6–131.4 mg/dL); following multifactorial adjustment, odds ratios were 2.61 (1.07–6.37; p = 0.035) and 2.36 (1.09–5.14; p = 0.030). Similar results were yielded using 0.3 and 0.5 mmol/L categories of LDL-C and sensitivity analyses. Both low and high LDL-C levels were significantly associated with higher risk of severe COVID-19. Although our findings do not necessarily imply causality, they suggest that clinicians should pay more attention to lipid-lowering therapy in COVID-19 patients to improve clinical prognosis.

scholarly journals Application of the 2019 ESC/EAS dyslipidaemia guidelines to nationwide data of patients with a recent myocardial infarction: a simulation study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (40) ◽  
pp. 3900-3909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Allahyari ◽  
Tomas Jernberg ◽  
Emil Hagström ◽  
Margrét Leosdottir ◽  
Pia Lundman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Monte Carlo Model ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Pcsk9 Inhibitors ◽  
Recent Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Lowering Therapy

Abstract Aims To estimate the proportion of patients with a recent myocardial infarction (MI) who would be eligible for additional lipid-lowering therapy according to the 2019 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias, and to simulate the effects of expanded lipid-lowering therapy on attainment of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target as recommended by the guidelines. Methods and results Using the nationwide SWEDEHEART register, we included 25 466 patients who had attended a follow-up visit 6–10 weeks after an MI event, 2013–17. While most patients (86.6%) were receiving high-intensity statins, 82.9% of the patients would be eligible for expanded lipid-lowering therapy, as they had not attained the target of an LDL-C level of &lt;1.4 mmol and a ≥50% LDL-C level reduction. When maximized use of high-intensity statins followed by add-on therapy with ezetimibe was simulated using a Monte Carlo model, the LDL-C target was reached in 19.9% using high-intensity statin monotherapy and in another 28.5% with high-intensity statins and ezetimibe, while 50.7% would still be eligible for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. When use of alirocumab or evolocumab was simulated in those who were eligible for PCSK9 inhibitors, around 90% of all patients attained the LDL-C target. Conclusion  Our study suggests that, even with maximized use of high-intensity statins and ezetimibe, around half of patients with MI would be eligible for treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors according to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines. Considering the current cost of PCSK9 inhibitors, the financial implications of the new guidelines may be substantial.

scholarly journals GENetic characteristics and REsponse to lipid-lowering therapy in familial hypercholesterolemia: GENRE-FH study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyoeun Kim ◽  
Chan Joo Lee ◽  
Hayeon Pak ◽  
Doo-Il Kim ◽  
Moo-Yong Rhee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
Primary Variable

Abstract Among the 146 patients enrolled in the Korean FH registry, 83 patients who had undergone appropriate LLT escalation and were followed-up for ≥ 6 months were analyzed for pathogenic variants (PVs). The achieved percentage of expected low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction (primary variable) and achievement rates of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL were assessed. The correlations between the treatment response and the characteristics of PVs, and the weighted 4 SNP-based score were evaluated. The primary variables were significantly lower in the PV-positive patients than in the PV-negative patients (p = 0.007). However, the type of PV did not significantly correlate with the primary variable. The achievement rates of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL was very low, regardless of the PV characteristics. Patients with a higher 4-SNP score showed a lower primary variable (R2 = 0.045, p = 0.048). Among evolocumab users, PV-negative patients or those with only defective PVs revealed higher primary variable, whereas patients with at least one null PV showed lower primary variables. The adjusted response of patients with FH to LLT showed significant associations with PV positivity and 4-SNP score. These results may be helpful in managing FH patients with diverse genetic backgrounds.

scholarly journals Association Between Dietary Intake and Lipid-lowering Therapy: Prospective Analysis Using a Quantile Regression Approach (OR22-03-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adelle Gadowski ◽  
Natalie Nanayakkara ◽  
Stephane Heritier ◽  
Dianna Magliano ◽  
Jonathan Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Quantile Regression ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Dietary Behaviours ◽  
Lowering Therapy

Abstract Objectives Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) is ideally accompanied by dietary guidance for cardiovascular risk reduction, however current evidence suggests sub optimal dietary behaviours in those on pharmacological interventions. This study examines associations between daily intake of major food groups (vegetable, fruit, cereal, protein and dairy) and LLT use in Australian adults. Methods Data were analysed from 5895 participants of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) aged ≥ 25 years. Medical history and dietary intake was obtained at baseline (1999–00) and follow up (2004–05). LLT use was categorised as: LLT users, commenced LLT, ceased LLT, and non-users. The association between dietary intake and LLT use was examined using quantile regression, at the 25th, 50th and 75th quantile of dietary intake. Analysis was adjusted for known risk factors. Results A total of 446 participants remained on LLT from baseline to follow up; 565 participants commenced LLT; 71 participants ceased LLT and 4813 were non-users. Less than 1% of the cohort met recommended intakes of all food groups at baseline and follow up, with no difference by LLT status. Median daily dietary intake at follow up among LLT users was 2.2 serves of vegetables, 1.4 serves of fruit, 2.8 serves of cereal, 2.0 serves of protein and 1.4 serves of dairy. Dietary intake was similar across all LLT groups. LLT use was not significantly associated with dietary intake at the 25th, 50th and 75th quantile. Conclusions Adjusted quantile regression analysis showed no differences in median daily intake of key food groups in LLT users, compared to non-users. The dietary behaviours observed suggest that all adults, regardless of their medication regimen, need additional education on improving their dietary intake. These findings emphasise the importance of addressing adherence to dietary guidelines, for people with chronic disease, with special focus on people requiring LLT. Funding Sources Nil Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

5130Association between degree of LDL-cholesterol decrease after a myocardial infarction and mortality - a nationwide cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Schubert ◽  
B Lindahl ◽  
H Melhus ◽  
H Renlund ◽  
M Leosdottir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Index Event ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Lowering Therapy ◽  
Statin Use

Abstract Background In clinical trials, patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) benefit the most from lipid lowering therapy, and more intensive LDL-C lowering therapy is associated with better prognosis. Purpose To investigate the association between degree of LDL-C lowering and prognosis in MI patients from a large real-world setting. Methods Patients admitted with an MI between 2006 and 2016 and registered in the Swedish MI-registry (SWEDEHEART) were followed until 2018. The difference in LDL-C between the MI hospitalization and a 6–10 week follow-up was measured. In multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusting for clinical risk factors (eg. age, diabetes, prior cardiovascular disease), the association between LDL-C change, mortality and recurrent MI was assessed using restricted cubic splines. Further, the patients were stratified according to quartile decrease in LDL-C from MI hospitalization to the follow-up. Results A total of 44,148 patients (median age: 64) had an LDL-C measured during the MI hospitalization and at follow-up. Of these, 9,905 (22.4%) had ongoing statin treatment prior to admission. The median LDL-C at the MI hospitalization was 2.96 (interquartile range 2.23, 3.74) mmol/L and the median decrease in LDL-C was 1.17 (0.37, 1.86) mmol/L. During a median follow-up of 3.9 years, 3,342 patients died and 3,210 had an MI. Patients with the highest quartile of LDL-C decrease (1.86 mmol/L) from index event to follow-up, had a lower risk of mortality, hazard ratio (HR) 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–0.80) compared to those with the lowest quartile of LDL-C decrease (0.37 mmol/L) (figure). For MI, the corresponding HR was 0.83 (95% CI 0.68–1.02). Ongoing statin-use prior to admission did not alter the effect of LDL-C decrease and outcome in the analysis. Conclusions In this large nationwide cohort of MI patients, a gradually lower risk of death was observed in patients with larger decrease in LDL-C from index event to follow-up, regardless of statin use prior to admission. The same trend was observed for recurrent MI, although not reaching statistical significance. This confirms previous findings that efforts should be made to lower LDL-C after MI.

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