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INITIATION OF LIPID-LOWERING THERAPY AS PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN THE ELDERLY
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  • José Manuel Vinuesa-Hernando,
  • Isabel Aguilar,
  • Mª José Rabanaque,
  • Victoria García-Cárdenas,
  • Mª Jesús Lallana,
  • Adriana Gamba,
  • Sara Malo
José Manuel Vinuesa-Hernando
Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa
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Isabel Aguilar
University of Zaragoza
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Mª José Rabanaque
University of Zaragoza
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Victoria García-Cárdenas
University of Granada
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Mª Jesús Lallana
Servicio de Farmacia de Atención Primaria, Servicio Aragonés de Salud
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Adriana Gamba
Grupo de investigación en servicios sanitarios de Aragón
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Sara Malo
University of Zaragoza

Corresponding Author:smalo@unizar.es

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Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyse the initiation adherence phase to lipid-lowering therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in a Spanish population aged 70 years or older. The secondary objective was to identify the determinants of initiation and early discontinuation. Methods: Observational study conducted in the CARhES (CArdiovascular Risk factors for HEalth Service research) cohort. People aged 70 and older with a first prescription of a lipid-lowering drug and without a previous Major Adverse Cardiovascular Event were selected (2018-2021). Data on sociodemographics, clinical conditions, drugs and use of health services were collected from clinical and administrative electronic databases. The study population was classified into: non-initiation, early discontinuation (i.e., discontinuation after the first dispensing) and initiation with more than one dispensing. Their characteristics were compared. Determinants of initiation and early discontinuation were explored. Results: Among the 15,019 people studied, 80.2% initiated the medication, 11.2% showed an early discontinuation and 8.6% were non-initiators. An older age or conditions such as dementia, diabetes or depression reduced the likelihood of initiation, while obesity and a high pharmacological burden increased it. People over 90 of age or those prescribed a statin in combination were more likely to have an early discontinuation. Conclusion: Non-initiation and early discontinuation are common among older people prescribed lipid-lowering drugs as primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by the first time. The presence of chronic pathologies other than cardiovascular ones should be considered when assessing whether or not to prescribe these drugs in the elderly.
13 Mar 2024Submitted to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
14 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
05 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
05 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
05 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
08 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
08 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Accept