Clinical profile of severe hypercholesterolemia in 156,000 adults in primary care

Objective

To examine the frequency of severe hypercholesterolemia (HS) and its clinical profile, and the phenotype of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), in the primary-care setting in a large health area of ​​the Community of Madrid (CAM).

Material and methods

Multicenter study of subjects with a health card assigned to 69 health centers (Northwest/CAM area). HS was defined as cholesterol ≥ 300 mg/dL or LDL-cholesterol ≥ 220 mg/dL in any analysis performed (1-1-2018 to 12-30-2021); and FH phenotype as c-LDL ≥ 240 mg/dL (≥160 mg/dL if lipid-lowering treatment) with triglycerides < 200 mg/dL and TSH < 5 uIU/ml.

Results

156,082 adults ≥ 18 years with an available lipid profile were analyzed. 6187 subjects had HS (3.96% of the laboratory tests studied, 95%CI 3.87%–4.06%). The mean evolution time of the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia in the computerized clinical record was 10.8 years; 36.5% had hypertension; 9.5% diabetes and 62.9% overweight/obesity. 83.7% were taking lipid-lowering drugs (65,7% low/moderate and 28.6% high/very high intensity). 6.1% had cardiovascular disease (94.2% treated with lipid-lowering agents), with LDL-cholesterol <55, <70 and <100 mg/dl of 1.8%, 5.8% and 20.2%, respectively. (vs 1%, 2.3% and 11.2% if no cardiovascular disease). 1600 subjects had FH phenotype (1.03%, 0.98%–1.08%).

Conclusions

Four out of 100 patients analyzed in primary care have HS, with high treatment level, but insufficient intensity, and poor achievement of treatment goals. One in 100 have the FH phenotype. The identification of both dyslipidemias by computerized records would allow their more precise and early detection and establish cardiovascular preventive strategies.