Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment in patients with clinical evidence of familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated Lp(a)

Abstract

Abstract Background Although potent lipid-lowering therapies are available, patients commonly fall short of recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and LDL-C goal attainment, as well as the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Moreover, we characterized patients failing to meet recommended LDL-C goals. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis in a cohort of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Clinical FH was determined by the Dutch Clinical Lipid Network Score, and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL (≈ 107 nmol/L) was considered elevated. Results A total of 838 participants were included. Overall, the prevalence of CAD was 72%, and 62% received lipid-lowering treatment. The prevalence of clinical FH (probable and definite FH) was 4%, and 19% had elevated Lp(a) levels. With 35%, LDL-C goal attainment was generally poor. Among the participants with clinical FH, none reached their LDL-C target. Among patients with elevated Lp(a), LDL-C target achievement was only 28%. The prevalence and severity of CAD were higher in participants with clinical FH (86% prevalence) and elevated Lp(a) (80% prevalence). Conclusion Most participants failed to meet their individual LDL-C goals according to the ESC 2016 and 2019 guidelines. In particular, high-risk patients with clinical FH or elevated Lp(a) rarely met their target for LDL-C. The identification of these patients and more intense treatment approaches are crucial for the improvement of CAD primary and secondary prevention.

Keywords

• LDL-cholesterol
• Treatment goal achievement
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Lipoprotein (a)
• Coronary artery disease
• Lipid-lowering treatment