Almost half (48%) of statin-treated patients are not meeting target levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), according to the results of a new international study, conducted by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited and presented today at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress in Barcelona, Spain.1 Additionally, nearly three-quarters (73%) of the same patients had at least one lipid abnormality across LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels.1 In a separate UK survey, results have also shown a need for improving education of the public around how to proactively manage their lipid levels.2

The DYSlipidemia International Study (DYSIS) was a large study involving 22,000 statin-treated patients, extending across 12 countries in Europe and Canada. 28 centres were involved from the UK.1 Patients were aged 45 and older, had been on statin-treatment for three months or more, and had other cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of premature CV disease or had coronary heart disease, among others.1 The study assessed the prevalence of LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels according to lipid goals in ESC guidelines.1

The DYSIS results showed that even in those patients reaching their LDL-C target, 25% still had abnormal levels of triglycerides and/or HDL-C.1 Additionally, 38% of the study population had elevated triglyceride levels, and 26% had HDL-C levels below target.1

“Although statins have represented a considerable advancement in cardiovascular disease prevention, the DYSIS results indicate that clinicians must continue to monitor their patients’ lipid levels closely, including LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels,” said Professor David Wood Lead UK investigator and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Imperial College London, and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. He continued: “Many patients could benefit from additional management in order to further reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, achieved through improved adherence, lifestyle changes, or further drug intervention.”

In conjunction with the release of the DYSIS data, MSD UK announced findings from a UK-wide survey of over 2000 people. According to the survey:2

- the majority of people (85%) in the UK now know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK and many are aware of LDL-C (‘bad’ cholesterol) and HDL-C (‘good’ cholesterol) (71% and 59% respectively).

- Despite this wide awareness, many did not know ‘how to change’ their LDL-C (57%) or HDL-C (74%).

- Furthermore, only around one third (36%) had heard of ‘triglycerides’, with most (77%) thinking triglycerides should be raised rather than reduced and 90% not knowing how to change them.

Dr Marc Evans, Consultant Diabetologist at Llandough Hospital in Wales commented: “DYSIS highlights that a significant CVD risk can remain for some patients.” He continued: “A comprehensive approach that addresses HDL-C and triglycerides as well as LDL-C levels may be beneficial in these cases. This can be particularly important for patients who are at high risk of CVD such as secondary prevention patients, people with diabetes and South Asian populations. The UK survey of the general public also highlighted the need for educating people about the three lipids – this is essential if we want the public to become engaged in their own health.”

About DYSIS1

DYSIS is an epidemiological study designed to examine the lipid profile of statin-treated patients (n=22,000) in an out-patient setting. Patients were enrolled from treatment centres across Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had been on statin therapy for at least three months prior to the time of assessment, aged ≥45 years, and had at least one lipid parameter available in their chart while receiving statin therapy. Patients were recruited by primary and secondary care physicians. All patients had a clinical examination and their latest lipid values were recorded.

About the UK-wide public survey2

This survey was conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Merck, Sharp & Dohme Ltd. The fieldwork was conducted via an online questionnaire between 27th July and 10th August 2009. The sample consisted of 2140 UK adults.

Source
Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited