Abstract
BACKGROUND: Following the occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), patients are at high risk for subsequent cardiovascular events. Therapies to lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol remain a pillar in secondary prevention approaches following ACS. Significant variability remains in the application of therapies to lower cholesterol level in clinical practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted of 200 cardiovascular and lipid specialists across Canada who routinely care for patients following the occurrence of ACSs. The survey consisted of 50 multiple-choice questions with opportunities for free-text entry exploring knowledge of lipid guidelines and recent clinical trials, and in-hospital and outpatient management of lipids and familial hypercholesterolemia. RESULTS: A total of 67.5% (n = 135) of participants stated that a lipid panel would routinely be obtained during the first 24 hours of an admission for an ACS, and 68.5% (n = 137) stated that their hospitals had standing orders for statin initiation at ACS presentation. In high-risk patients, the majority (75.5%; n = 151) of participants indicated that they target an LDL cholesterol level of <1.8 mmol/L. However, a subset (22%; n = 44) would target lower LDL cholesterol levels ranging from 0.5 to 1.7 mmol/L. Only 32.0% (n = 64) of participants stated that >70% of their ACS patients were at or below guideline-recommended LDL cholesterol levels. Respondents generally underappreciated the prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia in both the general population and ACS patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in practice patterns involving therapies to lower LDL cholesterol level in the post-ACS onset period. To improve management of lipids in this high-risk population, changes to institutional policies, shared responsibility of lipid management across multiple disciplines, and physician education are required.