Background and aims: One of the objectives of the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V
survey is to determine how well European guidelines on the management of
dyslipidaemias are implemented in coronary patients.
Methods: Standardized methods were used by trained technicians to
collect information on 7824 patients from 130 centers in 27 countries,
from the medical records and at a visit at least 6 months after
hospitalization for a coronary event. All lipid measurements were
performed in one central laboratory. Patients were divided into three
groups: on high-intensity LDL-C-lowering-drug therapy (LLT), on low or
moderate-intensity LLT and on no LLT.
Results: At the time of the visit, almost half of the patients were on a
high-intensity LLT. Between hospital discharge and the visit, LLT had
been reduced in intensity or interrupted in 20.8% of the patients and
had been started or increased in intensity in 11.7%. In those who had
interrupted LLT or had reduced the intensity, intolerance to LLT and the
advice of their physician were reported as the reason why in 15.8 and
36.8% of the cases, respectively. LDL-C control was better in those on
a high-intensity LLT compared to those on low or moderate intensity LLT.
LDL-C control was better in men than women and in patients with
self-reported diabetes.
Conclusions: The results of the EUROASPIRE V survey show that most
coronary patients have a less than optimal management of LDL-C. More
professional strategies are needed, aiming at lifestyle changes and LLT
adapted to the need of the individual patient