The effect of the 2019 ESC/EAS dyslipidaemia guidelines on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal achievement in patients with acute coronary syndromes: The ACS EuroPath IV project

Aims: To evaluate the effect of the ESC/EAS 2019 dyslipidaemia guidelines on patient management of lipid -lowering therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), through a survey designed to compare post-ACS patient management in 2022 with that in 2018.Methods: Online questionnaires focused on lipid profile and medications were used to gather data from 2650 ACS patients in 6 European countries, treated between March-June 2022 (ACS EuroPath IV survey). These data were compared with data collected from 2650 patients who participated in the ACS EuroPath I survey (conducted in 2018).Results: Lipid testing was performed in 90% of patients and was done sooner after admission in 2022 versus 2018 (mean 1.4 vs 1.7 days). Increased testing for non-HDL-C, lipoprotein(a), and ApoB was observed over time. At discharge, most patients (>= 90%) were receiving lipid-lowering therapy. Prescribing patterns differed, with a higher proportion of patients receiving statin plus ezetimibe combination therapy in 2022 versus 2018 (34% vs 13%). LDL-C levels were lower in 2022 versus 2018 at admission and at 1st, 2nd and 3rd post-discharge follow-up points. More patients achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals in 2022 versus 2018 at the first follow-up (average 14 vs 16 weeks since discharge; <70 mg/dL [1.8 mmol/L]: 34% vs 20%; <55 mg/dL [1.4 mmol/L]: 18% vs 10%) and at subsequent follow-up points.Conclusion: LDL-C goal achievement has improved since the release of the 2019 guidelines, but lipid management in post-ACS patients remains suboptimal.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of the ESC/EAS 2019 dyslipidaemia guidelines on lipid-lowering therapy in ACS patients. Results showed that lipid testing was performed earlier in 2022 compared to 2018, and there was an increase in testing for non-HDL-C, lipoprotein(a), and ApoB. Majority of patients were receiving lipid-lowering therapy at discharge and there was a higher proportion of patients receiving statin plus ezetimibe combination therapy in 2022. LDL-C levels were lower in 2022 and more patients achieved LDL-C goals.