Control of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease among Multinational Patient Population in the Arabian Gulf

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Effective management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors is crucial for secondary prevention.
• The Centralized Pan-Middle East Survey on the undertreatment of hypercholesterolaemia (CEPHEUS) investigated risk factor control in the Arabian Gulf.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the control of key cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the Arabian Gulf.
• To identify the prevalence of controlled risk factors including body mass index, HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure.
• To assess the overall attainment of multiple CVD risk factor goals among ASCVD patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 4398 patients enrolled in the CEPHEUS survey in the Arabian Gulf.
• Assessment of demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, smoking status, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and ASCVD risk status.
• Evaluation of the proportion of patients achieving target levels for BMI, HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood pressure.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors was observed: 76% had diabetes, 71% had metabolic syndrome, and 78% had very high ASCVD risk.
• Low proportions of patients achieved target goals: 14% for BMI, 26% for HbA1c, 31% for LDL-C (very high risk cohort), and 60% for blood pressure.
• Only 1.4% of participants had all CVD risk factors controlled, with significant variations across countries.
• Patients with very high ASCVD risk and females were less likely to achieve risk factor control goals.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular disease risk factor management in ASCVD patients in the Arabian Gulf is suboptimal.
• There is an urgent need for improved strategies to enhance risk factor control and reduce cardiovascular events in this high-risk population.
• Country-specific interventions and tailored approaches for high-risk subgroups, including females, may be necessary.