Sustained low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol <70 mg/dl is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes in the clinical setting

Abstract

Background and aims: Clinical trials have shown that intensive low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL- C) lowering improves cardiovascular outcomes among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but data are limited in real clinical practice, particularly for patients with ASCVD inform-ing different territories. Methods: FRENA was a prospective registry of consecutive outpatients with cor-onary, cerebrovascular or peripheral artery disease. We compared the incidence of recurrent events in patients with sustained LDL- C levels <70 mg/dl compared with those with ≥70 mg/dl. Results: As of December 2018, 1182 patients were eligible for this study. Among them, 172 (14.5%) had mean LDL- C levels ≤70 mg/dl, and 1010 (85.5%) had <70 mg/dl. Their clinical characteristics at baseline were similar. During 5 years of follow- up, 252 patients (21%) suffered major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The incidence rates of MACE were 3.42 events per 100 patient- years (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.17– 5.14) in patients with levels <70 mg/dl and 5.57 (95% CI, 4.87– 6.34) in those with ≥70 mg/dl; the rate ratio was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.39– 0.92), p = 0.019. On multivariable analysis, patients with LDL- C levels <70 mg/dl were at lower risk for MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61 [95% CI, 0.39– 0.93] p < 0.05). MACE reduction was driven by a decrease in coronary and peripheral events with no significant effect on stroke. Conclusions: Long- term sustained LDL- C <70 mg/dl in the clinical practice is associated with reduction in cardiovascular and peripheral vascular events with no apparent effect on stroke.