Prevalence of lipid abnormalities and attainment of normal lipid levels among patients with dyslipidaemia: a pooled analysis of observational studies from five Asian countries

Abstract

Aims: Guidelines emphasise the importance of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for cardiovascular risk reduction. Given the importance of association between high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) normal levels and cardiovascular risk, there is an additional need to further evaluate diverse dyslipidaemic populations.

Methods: A retrospective longitudinal observational study of patients aged ≥ 35 years on lipid-modifying therapy (LMT) for ≥ 12 months was conducted from patient records pooled from five Asian countries (Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand and Philippines). The prevalence of lipid abnormalities and goal attainment was assessed 12 months before and after LMT initiation.

Results: Among 3256 patients (mean age - 58.6 years, 50.4% men), 65.4% were high-risk patients and 88% were on statin therapy. At baseline 94.7% of all patients had at least one abnormal lipid value elevated, LDL-C (86.2%) being the most prevalent. Non-smokers [OR (95% CI): 1.42 (1.08-1.87)], non-diabetics [2.35 (1.96-2.82)], non-cardiovascular disease patients [1.77 (1.42-2.21)] and those from Korea [2.56 (1.83-3.59)] were more likely to attain LDL-C goals. On the contrary, women [0.82 (0.68-0.98)], subjects with FRS > 20% [0.56 (0.41-0.77)] those from Malaysia [0.55 (0.39-0.77)] and the Philippines [0.18 (0.12-0.28)] were less likely to reach LDL-C goals. Fewer characteristics were independently associated with reaching normal levels of HDL-C and TG and attaining at least two normal lipid levels.

Conclusions: While current LMT reduced the prevalence of dyslipidaemia, a third of patients still failed to achieve target/normal levels. We highlight country differences and the importance of improving therapy to attain multiple lipid goals/normal levels.