Lipid-lowering treatment patterns in patients with new cardiovascular events - Estimates from population-based register data in Sweden

Abstract

0.80. Persistence was defined as no gaps > 60 days in supply of drug used at index. Results Of patients with major cardiovascular disease (CVD) history (n = 6881), 49% were not on LLT at index. Corresponding data for CV risk equivalent and low/unknown CV risk patients were 37% (n = 3226) and 38% (n = 2497) respectively. MPR for patients on LLT at index was similar across cohorts (0.74-0.75). The proportions of adherent (60-63%) and persistent patients (56-57%) were also similar across cohorts. Dose escalation from dose at index was seen within all cohorts and 2-3% of patients switched to a different LLT after index while 5-6% of patients augmented treatment by adding another LLT. Conclusions Almost 50% of patients with major CVD history were not on any LLT, indicating a potential therapeutic gap. Medication adherence and persistence among patients on LLT were suboptimal.