Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Adherence to lipid-lowering agents among 11,042 patients in clinical practice

M C S Wong1, J Y Jiang, S M Griffiths

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|June 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Adherence to lipid-lowering agents is high in Hong Kong, particularly among older patients and those with comorbidities. Younger patients and those without comorbidities require closer monitoring for medication adherence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacoeconomics

Background:

  • Dyslipidemia management is often suboptimal due to poor patient adherence to medication.
  • Effective strategies to improve adherence are crucial for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess medication adherence rates to lipid-lowering agents in a large Chinese population.
  • To identify factors associated with optimal adherence to lipid-lowering medications.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a validated clinical database of patients refilling prescriptions in Hong Kong public primary care clinics (Jan 2004 - June 2007).
  • Employed Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) to measure drug adherence, with MPR ≥ 0.8 defined as optimal.
  • Conducted multivariate regression analysis to determine factors associated with optimal adherence.

Main Results:

  • Out of 11,042 eligible patients, 90% demonstrated optimal adherence (MPR ≥ 0.8).
  • Older age (50+ years), attendance at family medicine specialist clinics, follow-up visits, and presence of comorbidities were significantly associated with higher adherence.
  • Adjusted odds ratios indicated increased likelihood of adherence with advancing age and number of comorbidities.

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest that older patients and those with comorbidities are more likely to adhere to lipid-lowering medications.
  • Younger patients, new patients, and those without comorbidities may require targeted interventions and closer monitoring for medication adherence.
  • Further research is recommended to explore reasons for non-adherence in specific patient groups.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Lipid Absorption01:24

Lipid Absorption

Dietary triglycerides from chyme in the duodenum are mixed with bile salts produced by the liver to emulsify fats. As a result, large droplets are broken down into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for enzymatic action. Once emulsified, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze the triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...