This European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Task Force provides practical guidance for combination therapy for elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and/or triglycerides (TG) in ...high-risk and very-high-risk patients.
Evidence-based review.
Statin-ezetimibe combination treatment is the first choice for managing elevated LDL-C and should be given upfront in very-high-risk patients with high LDL-C unlikely to reach goal with a statin, and in primary prevention familial hypercholesterolaemia patients. A proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor may be added if LDL-C levels remain high. In high and very-high-risk patients with mild to moderately elevated TG levels (>2.3 and < 5.6 mmol/L >200 and < 500 mg/dL) on a statin, treatment with either a fibrate or high-dose omega-3 fatty acids (icosapent ethyl) may be considered, weighing the benefit versus risks. Combination with fenofibrate may be considered for both macro- and microvascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
This guidance aims to improve real-world use of guideline-recommended combination lipid modifying treatment.
•This EAS Task Force gives practical guidance for combination lipid lowering therapy in high- and very-high-risk patients.•In patients unlikely to reach the LDL-C goal with a statin alone combination with ezetimibe is suggested as first choice.•A PCSK9 inhibitor may be added if LDL-C levels remain high.•For type 2 diabetes with high triglycerides on statin, fenofibrate may be considered for macro- and microvascular benefits.••High-dose icosapent ethyl may be also considered for high triglycerides on statin treatment, weighing benefit vs. risk.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common genetic cause of premature coronary heart disease (CHD). Globally, one baby is born with FH every minute. If diagnosed and treated early in childhood, ...individuals with FH can have normal life expectancy. This consensus paper aims to improve awareness of the need for early detection and management of FH children. Familial hypercholesterolaemia is diagnosed either on phenotypic criteria, i.e. an elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level plus a family history of elevated LDL-C, premature coronary artery disease and/or genetic diagnosis, or positive genetic testing. Childhood is the optimal period for discrimination between FH and non-FH using LDL-C screening. An LDL-C ≥5 mmol/L (190 mg/dL), or an LDL-C ≥4 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) with family history of premature CHD and/or high baseline cholesterol in one parent, make the phenotypic diagnosis. If a parent has a genetic defect, the LDL-C cut-off for the child is ≥3.5 mmol/L (130 mg/dL). We recommend cascade screening of families using a combined phenotypic and genotypic strategy. In children, testing is recommended from age 5 years, or earlier if homozygous FH is suspected. A healthy lifestyle and statin treatment (from age 8 to 10 years) are the cornerstones of management of heterozygous FH. Target LDL-C is <3.5 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) if >10 years, or ideally 50% reduction from baseline if 8-10 years, especially with very high LDL-C, elevated lipoprotein(a), a family history of premature CHD or other cardiovascular risk factors, balanced against the long-term risk of treatment side effects. Identifying FH early and optimally lowering LDL-C over the lifespan reduces cumulative LDL-C burden and offers health and socioeconomic benefits. To drive policy change for timely detection and management, we call for further studies in the young. Increased awareness, early identification, and optimal treatment from childhood are critical to adding decades of healthy life for children and adolescents with FH.
Graphical Abstract
Graphical Abstract
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia is a rare autosomal semi-dominant disease affecting males and females equally, characterized by markedly elevated ...levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from conception and accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, often resulting in early death. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia is diagnosed late and undertreated; both established and novel therapies offer hope to patients, but treatment inequity exacerbates poorer outcomes in less affluent countries.12APOB, apolipoprotein B gene; CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio; LDLR, low-density lipoprotein receptor gene; LDLRAP1, low-density lipoprotein adaptor protein 1 gene; PCSK9, proprotein conertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 gene.
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia is a rare autosomal semi-dominant disease affecting males and females equally, characterized by markedly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from conception and accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, often resulting in early death. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia is diagnosed late and undertreated; both established and novel therapies offer hope to patients, but treatment inequity exacerbates poorer outcomes in less affluent countries (reference 12). APOB, apolipoprotein B; CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio; LDLR, low-density lipoprotein receptor; LDLRAP1, low-density lipoprotein receptor adaptor protein 1; PCSK9, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9.
Abstract
This 2023 statement updates clinical guidance for homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH), explains the genetic complexity, and provides pragmatic recommendations to address inequities in HoFH care worldwide. Key strengths include updated criteria for the clinical diagnosis of HoFH and the recommendation to prioritize phenotypic features over genotype. Thus, a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >10 mmol/L (>400 mg/dL) is suggestive of HoFH and warrants further evaluation. The statement also provides state-of-the art discussion and guidance to clinicians for interpreting the results of genetic testing and for family planning and pregnancy. Therapeutic decisions are based on the LDL-C level. Combination LDL-C-lowering therapy—both pharmacologic intervention and lipoprotein apheresis (LA)—is foundational. Addition of novel, efficacious therapies (i.e. inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, followed by evinacumab and/or lomitapide) offers potential to attain LDL-C goal or reduce the need for LA. To improve HoFH care around the world, the statement recommends the creation of national screening programmes, education to improve awareness, and management guidelines that account for the local realities of care, including access to specialist centres, treatments, and cost. This updated statement provides guidance that is crucial to early diagnosis, better care, and improved cardiovascular health for patients with HoFH worldwide.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiovascular polypill including aspirin, ramipril and atorvastatin (CNIC-Polypill), on the incidence of recurrent major cardiovascular events (MACE) and risk ...factor control in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) vs different pharmacological therapeutic strategies.
Retrospective, observational study using data from electronic-health records. Patients were distributed into 4 different cohorts: CNIC-Polypill (case cohort) vs 3 control cohorts: same monocomponents taken separately (Monocomponents), equipotent drugs (Equipotent) and other drugs not included in the previous cohorts (Other therapies). Patients were followed for 2 years or until MACE or death.
After propensity score matching, a total of 6456 patients (1614 patients per cohort) were analysed. After 2 years, the risk of recurrent MACE was lower in the CNIC-Polypill cohort compared to the control groups (22%; p = 0.017, 25%; p = 0.002, 27%; p = 0.001, higher in the Monocomponents, Equipotent and Other therapies cohorts, respectively). The incremental proportion of patients who achieved blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) control from baseline was higher in the CNIC-Polypill cohort vs control cohorts (BP controlled patients: +12.5% vs + 6.3%; p < 0.05, +2.2%; p < 0.01, +2.4%; p < 0.01, LDLc controlled patients: +10.3% vs + 4.9%; p < 0.001, +5.7%; p < 0.001, +4.9%; p < 0.001, respectively). Medication persistence was higher in patients treated with the CNIC-Polypill (72.1% vs 62.2%, 60.0% and 54.2%, respectively; p < 0.001) at study end.
In secondary prevention patients, compared with control groups, treatment with the CNIC-Polypill was associated with significant reductions in the accumulated incidence of recurrent MACE, improved BP and LDLc control rates, and increased medication persistence.
•In secondary prevention patients the occurrence of new CV events is common.•The CNIC-Polypill contains ASA 100 mg, atorvastatin 20/40 mg and ramipril 2.5/5/10 mg.•The CNIC-Polypill reduces recurrent MACE in secondary prevention.•The CNIC-Polypill improves BP, lipids and medication persistence.
Abstract Background: Combining lipid-lowering agents with complementary mechanisms of action can provide greater cholesterol reductions than using either agent alone, improving achievement of target ...low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of fluvastatin extended-release (XL) 80 mg/d administered alone or combined with ezetimibe 10 mg/d on plasma lipid levels and inflammatory parameters in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. The tol-erability of both regimens was also evaluated. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study, patients with hypercholesterolemia were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive fluvastatin XL 80 mg/d alone or in combination with ezetimibe 10 mg/d for 12 weeks. The primary end point was the percentage change from baseline to week 12 in LDL-C level with fluvastatin XL + ezetimibe combination therapy compared with fluvastatin XL alone. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers were measured at baseline and week 12. Proportions of patients who achieved National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) LDL-C goals were calculated. Tolerability was assessed by the monitoring and recording of all adverse events (AEs) and laboratory values. Results: A total of 82 patients were enrolled (mean SD age, 50.0 12.0 years; 44% male; 100% white; mean SD weight, 73.5 14.9 kg; combination group, 38 patients; monotherapy group, 44). Fluvastatin XL + ezetimibe and fluvastatin XL monotherapy were associated with significant decreases from baseline in mean LDL-C level (by 49.9% and 35.2%, respectively; between-group difference, P < 0.001). Fluvastatin XL + ezetimibe was associated with significantly greater reductions from baseline than fluvastatin XL monotherapy in total cholesterol (38.2% vs 27.5% P < 0.001), triglycerides (21% vs 3.8% P = 0.02) and apolipoprotein B (34.8% vs 22.5% P < 0.001). NCEP ATP III LDL-C goals were achieved by 87% of patients receiving fluvastatin XL + ezetimibe and 67% of patients receiving fluvastatin XL monotherapy (between-group difference, P = 0.042). The combination was associated with significantly lowered high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with high baseline hs-CRP (>2 mg/L; P < 0.02), >1 cardiovascular risk factor (P < 0.05), or hypertension ( P = 0.015); both regimens were associated with significantly reduced plasma levels of interleukin-1B. No significant between-group differences in the incidences of AEs were found. Most AEs were mild or moderate in intensity. Headache was the most common AE, occurring in 5/44 (11.4%) patients in the fluvastatin XL group and 2/38 (5.3%) patients in the fluvastatin XL + ezetimibe group. One serious AE (convulsive crisis) occurred in a patient receiving fluvastatin XL + ezetimibe, but was not suspected to be related to study medication. Conclusion: Fluvastatin XL in combination with ezetimibe was found to be well-tolerated and effective, allowing the majority (87%) of these patients with primary hypercholesterolemia to achieve current treatment goals, and reduced hs-CRP levels in patients at higher cardiovascular risk.
The achievement of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) therapeutic targets is especially difficult in some patients at high cardiovascular risk. These patients include persons with statin intolerance and ...those with very high LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels such as persons with familial hypercholesterolemia. The proportion of statin-intolerant patients is between 7% and 29%. Alternative lipid-lowering drugs (including ezetimibe) are less effective and are not free from adverse effects. Both alirocumab, with the ODYSSEY ALTERNATIVE study, and evolocumab, with the GAUSS study, have shown strong lipid-lowering efficacy, with much greater tolerability than currently available alternatives, with the result that a larger number of patients achieve therapeutic targets. In familial hypercholesterolemia, the monogenic metabolic disease most frequently associated with high cardiovascular risk, early intervention is cost-effective. Although statins have substantially improved the prognosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, many affected individuals are far from achieving the recommended therapeutic targets. In this patient group, PCSK9 inhibition with monoclonal antibodies has also been shown to be highly effective in reducing LDLc, especially in heterozygous individuals. The studies performed to date have shown that these drugs are safe and effective and can help many patients with familial hypercholesterolemia to drastically reduce their cardiovascular risk.
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