Consenso sobre los objetivos y pautas de actuación en el control del colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad en pacientes de muy alto riesgo cardiovascular

Abstract

Introduction Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Among cardiovascular disease risk factors one of the most relevant is low-density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol (LDL-c), but there is controversy about the methods used to control it. The aim was to obtain an expert opinion to clarify the most relevant issues regarding the control of dyslipidemia in very high cardiovascular risk patients. Materials and methods A survey with 55 items, stratified into 4 blocks: LDL-c as a therapeutic target, therapeutic goals, causes of the failure to achieve LDL-c goals, and recommendations to optimize their achievement, was addressed to 41 specialists (Cardiology and Internal Medicine) using the Delphi method to achieve professional consensus criteria. Results A high consensus was reached among all items, in line with the European recommendations. The panelists considered that the goal of 70 mg/dl for LDL-c for high cardiovascular disease risk (mainly vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure), using combined treatment when necessary. Lack of adherence and therapeutic inertia were considered the main reasons for treatment failure. Conclusion The Spanish experts show an elevated consensus with the European recommendations, confirming the LDL-c control target of < 70 mg/dl. The simplification of the guidelines and the combined treatment may favor an improvement the achievement of lipid target goals.