In this episode we will learn about the current guidelines for primary prevention of ASCVD, the evidence for specific dietary changes in improving cardiovascular outcomes, the current guidelines for secondary prevention of ASCVD, how successful are clinicians and patients in meeting LDL-C recommendations, and what the recent SAMSON trial teaches us about statin intolerance.
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“Lifestyle should be the first step and the last step of everything we do.”
Pearls – Lipid Lowering with Dr. Alison Bailey
In patients without established clinical ASCVD, the percent reduction in LDL-C is the strongest predictor of cardiovascular benefit. In patients with high LDL-C levels, a 50% reduction in LDL-C levels should be targeted.
In high-risk patients with established clinical ASCVD, we should target a 50% reduction in LDL-C levels and an LDL-C level less of than <70mg/dL. Lower LDL-C levels are associated with better ASCVD outcomes, and European guidelines recommend targeting an LDL-C level of <55mg/dL.
LDL-C lowering starts with promoting a health-lifestyle with emphasis on regular exercise and heart-healthy diet. Randomized trials support the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in reducing cardiovascular events.
Show notes – Lipid Lowering with Dr. Alison Bailey
1. What are the current guidelines for primary prevention of ASCVD?
The 2019 ACC/AHA Guidelines on the primary prevention of Cardiovascular Disease provides the following guidance for clinicians (applicable to those without established clinical ASCVD):
For all patients, a heart-healthy lifestyle focused on diet and exercise is the most important way to prevent atherosclerotic disease.
For any patient with an LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL, a high intensity statin is recommended.
Patients aged 40-75 years old who have diabetes mellitus warrant at least a moderate intensity statin, and may benefit from a high-intensity statin based on additional risk factors
For patients aged 40-75 years old and with an LDL-C between 70-189 mg/dL without diabetes, the pooled cohort equation can determine 10-year ASCVD risk and guide a patient-centric risk discussion.
Percent reduction in LDL-C is the strongest predictor of cardiovascular benefit; a 50% reduction in LDL-C should be targeted for most patients.
2. What evidence exists for specific dietary changes in improving cardiovascular outcomes?
A diet emphasizing intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fish is recommended to decrease ASCVD risk factors. Additionally, minimizing intake of processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages can reduce ASCVD risk.
The PREDIMED trial showed that among patients with high cardiovascular risk, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events when compared to a control diet (with advice to reduce dietary fat).
In a sub-study analysis of PREDIMED, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts was associated with delayed progression of internal carotid intima-media thickness and plaque height by ultrasound, suggesting a mechanistic cause of the Mediterranean diet’s cardio-protective effect.
The Adventist Health Study-2 cohort demonstrated a significant association between vegetarian diets and decreased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.
3. What are the current guidelines for secondary prevention of ASCVD?
Secondary prevention of ASCVD is important for all patients with history of clinical ASCVD (e.g. prior history of ACS, MI, stable or unstable angina, stroke, TIA, or PAD including aortic aneurysm of atherosclerotic origin).
In these patients, a healthy lifestyle should be emphasized as the first intervention.
In addition, patients should be started on a high intensity statin. For all patients we should target a percent LDL-C reduction of at least 50%. In high-risk patients (those with a history of multiple major ASCVD events or one major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions), we should target a LDL-C level of ≤70 as well.
While American guidelines recommend targeting a goal of ≤70 mg/dL, European guidelines recommend a target of ≤55 mg/dL. Most data suggests that lower is better for LDL-C; to learn why, enjoy Episode #132 – LDL Physiology & Function with Dr. Peter Toth)!
If LDL-C remains above goal (of 70 mg/dL), ezetimibe should be started for an anticipated extra 20% lipid lowering.
If LDL-C remains above goal, a PCSK-9 inhibitor should be considered. Notably, the ACC’s prior authorization tool is designed to collect data on the approval of these medications.
4. How successful are clinicians and patients in meeting LDL-C recommendations?
In a recent analysis of the PINNACLE registry (made up of over 2.5 million patients with known ASCVD), 52.7% had no history of being prescribed lipid lowering therapy, and 71.9% did not meet an LDL-C goal of ≤70.
In the ISCHEMIA trial, only 41% patient patients were on optimal medical therapy by the end of the trial.
Dr. Bailey suggests an approach to patient counseling wherein patients are aware of which medications actively improve their symptoms, and which medications improve longevity. Additionally, polypharmacy should be avoided through careful medication reconciliation.
5. What does the recent SAMSON trial teach us about statin intolerance?
In this recent trial, 60 patients with a prior history of statin intolerance were randomized to either atorvastatin 20mg, a placebo, or no treatment. Each patient cycled through all three treatment options.
When patients were taking either the statin or placebo, they reported significantly more side effects compared to when they were taking no treatment.
Notably, after learning whether they were taking placebo or statin while experiencing symptoms at the completion of the trial, roughly 50% of patients were able to tolerate a statin.
References – Lipid Lowering with Dr. Alison Bailey
Alison L. Bailey @a_l_bailey is a General Cardiologist in Chattanooga, TN. She completed her medical training (all of it!) at the University of Kentucky and has been using what she learned there for the last 20 years. She loves ALL of cardiology, but spends most of her clinical time in prevention and heart failure. She believes that Food is Medicine and is passionate about helping her community find healthier ways to live. She has been involved in medical education throughout her career as a chief resident, chief fellow and Cardiology Fellowship program director. She currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of ACCEL and thinks the most important contribution any of us can make is to elevate medical education. She believes in the mission of CardioNerds wholeheartedly. She enjoys cooking, reality TV and hanging out with Max, her favorite son.
CardioNerds Lipids Production Team
Tommy Das, MD
Dr. Rick Ferraro
Amit Goyal, MD
Daniel Ambinder, MD
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