scholarly journals Role of Blood Lipid Levels and Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Stroke Patients with Different Levels of Cerebral Artery Diseases: Reconsidering Recent Stroke Guidelines

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-161
Author(s):  
Jong S. Kim

Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke; the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Level and Treat Stroke to Target studies have shown that statins are beneficial for patients with stroke and that a low target for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration may maximize this benefit. Based on these results, recent guidelines have emphasized the application of “high-intensity statins” and “low LDL-C target” strategies in patients with stroke. However, it should be kept in mind that the role of blood lipids as a risk factor and benefit of lipid-lowering therapy are different among patients with different levels of cerebral arterial diseases. Studies have suggested that hypolipidemia, but not hyperlipidemia, is a risk factor for small vessel diseases (SVDs) such as intracerebral hemorrhages, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and perhaps, lacunar infarction. Although lipid-lowering agents might benefit certain patients with SVD, high-intensity statin and low LDL-C target strategies cannot be applied. In contrast, these strategies are important in patients with extracranial atherosclerosis, such as internal carotid disease, considering ample evidence of the benefits of lipid-lowering agents. Imaging studies have shown that statins stabilize vulnerable plaques in these patients. Although lipid-lowering agents are likely to benefit patients with intracranial atherosclerosis, the degree of their benefit and appropriate target LDL-C level for these patients remain unclear. More studies are needed to elucidate the appropriate lipid-modifying strategies in patients with stroke with different levels of cerebral artery disease.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (40) ◽  
pp. 3900-3909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Allahyari ◽  
Tomas Jernberg ◽  
Emil Hagström ◽  
Margrét Leosdottir ◽  
Pia Lundman ◽  
...  

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 <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.


2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 315-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Jones ◽  
Oliseyenum M. Nwose

2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia C Ramos ◽  
Francisco A Fonseca ◽  
Soraia H Kasmas ◽  
Flávio T Moreira ◽  
Tatiana Helfenstein ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. 484-488
Author(s):  
Beverley Bostock

Bempedoic acid is a new oral lipid-lowering therapy which has been licenced for use in the United Kingdom. It can be used alone, with a statin, or with other lipid-lowering therapies where the target level for low density lipoprotein has not been achieved with these therapies alone. Bempedoic acid with ezetimibe can be prescribed for people who are unable to tolerate statins. This combination has received NICE approval following a technology appraisal. This paper discusses the place for of bempedoic acid as a lipid lowering drug and consider the mode of action, licensed indications, adverse drug reactions and the NICE technology appraisal recommendations.


2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 1082-1088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharath Manu Akkara Veetil ◽  
Elena Myasoedova ◽  
Eric L. Matteson ◽  
Sherine E. Gabriel ◽  
Cynthia S. Crowson

Objective.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Lipid-lowering therapy is reportedly underused in patients with RA. Longitudinal cohort studies comparing use of lipid-lowering medications in patients with RA versus the general population are lacking.Methods.Cardiovascular risk factors, lipid measures, and use of lipid-lowering agents were assessed in a population-based inception cohort of patients with RA and a cohort of non-RA subjects followed from January 1, 1988, to December 31, 2008. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) guidelines were assessed at the time of each lipid measure throughout followup. Time from meeting guidelines to initiation of lipid-lowering agents was assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods.Results.The study population included 412 RA and 438 non-RA patients with ≥ 1 lipid measure during followup and no prior use of lipid-lowering agents. Rates of lipid testing were lower among patients with RA compared to non-RA subjects. Among patients who met NCEP ATPIII criteria for lipid-lowering therapy (n = 106 RA; n = 120 non-RA), only 27% of RA and 26% of non-RA subjects initiated lipid-lowering agents within 2 years of meeting the guidelines for initiation.Conclusion.There was substantial undertreatment in both the RA and the non-RA cohorts who met NCEP ATPIII criteria for initiation of lipid-lowering agents. Patients with RA did not have as frequent lipid testing as individuals in the general population.


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