Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Kinematic Analysis Using 3D Motion Capture of Drinking Task in People With and Without Upper-extremity Impairments
Published on: March 28, 2018
Lipid-lowering treatment patterns in patients with new cardiovascular events - estimates from population-based
S Hallberg1, J Banefelt1, K M Fox2
1Quantify Research, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Nearly half of patients with major cardiovascular disease history were not on lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), indicating a significant treatment gap. Adherence and persistence to LLT were suboptimal in patients who were prescribed these crucial medications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacotherapy
- Public Health
Background:
- Hyperlipidemia and prior cardiovascular (CV) events are significant risk factors for recurrent CV events.
- Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) is a cornerstone in managing cardiovascular risk.
- Understanding LLT treatment patterns in high-risk patients is crucial for optimizing outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utilization and adherence patterns of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in patients experiencing new cardiovascular (CV) events.
- To identify potential gaps in LLT prescription and management among patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or high CV risk.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population-based cohort study using Swedish medical records and registers.
- Inclusion criteria: prescription of LLT or history of CV events; follow-up up to 7 years.
- Patients stratified by CV risk level; adherence defined as medication possession ratio (MPR) > 0.80; persistence defined as no drug supply gaps > 60 days.
Main Results:
- 49% of patients with major CVD history were not on LLT at the time of a new CV event.
- Adherence (60-63% MPR > 0.80) and persistence (56-57%) were suboptimal across all CV risk cohorts.
- Among patients on LLT, dose escalation, switching, or augmentation of therapy occurred in a small proportion post-event.
Conclusions:
- A substantial therapeutic gap exists, with nearly 50% of high-risk patients not receiving LLT.
- Suboptimal medication adherence and persistence highlight challenges in long-term LLT management.
- Strategies to improve LLT initiation, adherence, and persistence are needed to reduce recurrent CV events.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess treatment patterns of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in patients with hyperlipidaemia or prior cardiovascular (CV) events who experience new CV events.
Methods:
A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using Swedish medical records and registers. Patients were included in the study based on a prescription of LLT or CV event history and followed up for up to 7 years for identification of new CV events and assessment of LLT treatment patterns. Patients were stratified into three cohorts based on CV risk level. All outcomes were assessed during the year following index (the date of first new CV event). Adherence was defined as medication possession ratio (MPR) > 0.80. Persistence was defined as no gaps > 60 days in supply of drug used at index.
Results:
Of patients with major cardiovascular disease (CVD) history (n = 6881), 49% were not on LLT at index. Corresponding data for CV risk equivalent and low/unknown CV risk patients were 37% (n = 3226) and 38% (n = 2497) respectively. MPR for patients on LLT at index was similar across cohorts (0.74-0.75). The proportions of adherent (60-63%) and persistent patients (56-57%) were also similar across cohorts. Dose escalation from dose at index was seen within all cohorts and 2-3% of patients switched to a different LLT after index while 5-6% of patients augmented treatment by adding another LLT.
Conclusions:
Almost 50% of patients with major CVD history were not on any LLT, indicating a potential therapeutic gap. Medication adherence and persistence among patients on LLT were suboptimal.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
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...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care