Editor’s note: This article on CVD Residual Risk addresses the HCP treatment and management of patients living with diabetes who have an increased risk for heart disease. If you are interested in more information you can visit our sister site, CardioCareLive for more information.
An expert cardiologist, takes an in-depth look at CVD residual risk. Topics covered include reasons for cascade screening for elevated Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), therapies for reducing LDL levels, and some of the causes for higher than normal LDL levels.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), along with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), recommend a 50 percent reduction in LDL for patients with clinical Atherosclerotic Cardio Vascular Disease (ASCVD), with the ultimate goal less than 70 mg/dl.
Despite current treatments, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data shows that 72 percent of patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) are not achieving LDL < 70 mg/dl.
Heterozygotes occur with a frequency of about one in 300-500 patients, however, in cultural communities that tend to marry and have children within their own circles (i.e. French Canadians and Dutch Afrikaners), the frequency increases to around one in 100.
When an adult is diagnosed with elevated LDL levels, it is important to do what Dr. Brown calls “cascade studies,” with particular attention being paid to the patient’s young children. As with many other diseases and conditions, early detection and treatment can lead to increased survival rates. “There is a 20-fold increased risk for CHD events in untreated patients,” said Brown.
During the presentation viewers will learn about statin treatment risks and benefits in both adults and children, AHA/ACC guidelines for statin therapies, and see a short, informative animated sequence explaining how PSCK9 can alter the functions of LDL receptors, allowing more of them to remain in the blood stream.
Dr. Brown gives an overview of LDL-reducing medications as well as PSCK9 inhibitors and LDL apheresis (similar to hemodialysis). All options can help the patient reduce LDL levels and increase their chances of avoiding an untimely cardiac event.
To get a deeper look at the genetic implications of Familial Hypercholesterolemia, screening recommendations, treatment options, and frequent side effects of commonly used medications, watch “Tackling CVD Residual Risk with Novel Therapies” offered by DiabetesSeriesLive.
Disclaimer: All DiabetesSeriesLive articles, reports, summaries, and recaps of events are for informational purposes. The quotes and opinions of the speakers covered are not to be taken as direct advice for individual patients. Patients should always seek care from qualified, properly accredited healthcare professionals.
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