Creation and Validation of an EMR-based Algorithm for Identifying Major Adverse Cardiac Events while on Statins

Statin medications are often prescribed to ameliorate a patient's risk of cardiovascular events due in part to cholesterol reduction. We developed and evaluated an algorithm that can accurately identify subjects with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) while on statins using electronic medical record (EMR) data. The algorithm also identifies subjects experiencing their first MACE while on statins for primary prevention. The algorithm achieved 90% to 97% PPVs in identification of MACE cases as compared against physician review. By applying the algorithm to EMR data in BioVU, cases and controls were identified and used subsequently to replicate known associations with eight genetic variants. We replicated 6/8 previously reported genetic associations with cardiovascular diseases or lipid metabolism disorders. Our results demonstrated that the algorithm can be used to accurately identify subjects with MACE and MACE while on statins. Consequently, future e studies can be conducted to investigate and validate the relationship between statins and MACE using real-world clinical data.