Undertreatment of hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Recent guidelines recommend strict goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (1.8–2.6 mmol/L; 70–100 mg/dL). However, these goals are not always met and many primary and secondary prevention patients are not optimally controlled. Both the under-prescription of lipid-lowering medication and lack of adherence to prescribed medications could account for this situation. In this issue of the journal, two studies evaluated the under-treatment of hypercholesterolemia in European countries, as well as patient/physician characteristics that are related to poor control of LDL-C. This editorial considers the implications of these findings. While we have come far in recent years in terms of treating hypercholesterolemia, we still have considerable room for improvement and progress towards evidence-based clinical practice.

Key words::

• Adherence
• Guidelines
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
• Statins
• Under-treatment

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This editorial was commissioned by CMRO and written independently. No company or institution supported it financially.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

D.P.M. has disclosed that he has received honoraria for attending international meetings on behalf of Merck Sharpe and Dohme and AstraZeneca, and that he is on the Speakers Bureau for Merck Sharpe and Dohme, Solvay and AstraZeneca. S.S.D. and R.J.D. have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Acknowledgement

Following formal submission to CMRO, the contents of this article were shared with the authors of two of the CMRO articles commented on4,5 – the authors are grateful for this feedback.