Modifiable factors associated with failure to attain low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal at 6 months after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Although controversial, reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to target levels remains a common therapeutic goal after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We sought to illuminate patient and provider characteristics associated with LDL-C goal nonattainment after AMI. METHODS: In an observational registry of 24 US hospitals, we included 366 patients with AMI who had baseline LDL-C levels ≥100 mg/dL and underwent 6-month fasting LDL-C reassessment. Our primary outcome was failure to reach the guideline-recommended LDL-C goal of <100 mg/dL at 6 months post-AMI. RESULTS: One in 3 patients with AMI with initially elevated LDL-C failed to attain LDL-C goal at 6 months. Compared with those who attained LDL-C goal, those who did not were more often discharged without a statin (21% vs 9%, P < .001), despite only 4% having documented contraindications. Patients not achieving LDL-C goal also more frequently discontinued statin use by 6 months (24% vs 6%, P < .001). Multivariable modeling (c index, 0.78) revealed the absence of a statin prescription at discharge and lack of persistence on statin therapy as the strongest independent factors associated with failure to reach LDL-C goal. Additional independent risk factors were patient report of not consistently adhering to prescribed medications, not participating in cardiac rehabilitation, nonwhite race, and lack of insurance. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of patients with AMI with baseline hyperlipidemia do not attain the LDL-C goal of <100 mg/dL at 6 months. Our findings support targeted interventions in the transition of AMI care to promote affordable statin prescription at discharge, medication persistence and adherence, and cardiac rehabilitation participation.

Duke Scholars

Author Robin Mathews Medicine, Cardiology

Author Laura Kristin Newby Medicine, Cardiology

Author Karen Patton Alexander Medicine, Cardiology