In a comprehensive nationwide study, nearly one in four adult Greeks turned to lipid-lowering treatments (LLT) in 2021, highlighting a significant engagement with cardiovascular health management across the country.
Prevalence of LLT Across Demographics
The investigation encompassed all 8,535,780 adults aged 20 and above residing in Greece during 2021. Findings revealed that 23.4% of this population received LLT, with a slightly higher percentage observed among women (23.9%) compared to men (22.8%). The adoption of these treatments escalated with age, reaching a peak of 56.1% in the 70-79 age bracket.
Primary Prescribers and Medication Choices
Throughout the year, 245,660 adults initiated LLT, reflecting an incidence rate of 3.6%. This initiation showed a marginally higher rate in males (3.7%) than in females (3.6%). The most frequently accompanying conditions included arterial hypertension (45.7%), type 2 diabetes (28.4%), and coronary artery disease (14.4%). General practitioners and internists each accounted for 33.7% of LLT prescriptions, while cardiologists contributed 21.6%. Rosuvastatin and atorvastatin dominated the statin prescriptions, constituting around 60% of all LLT. Additionally, ezetimibe and fenofibrate were utilized in 18% and 4% of cases, respectively, either alone or in combination with other therapies.
- Statins remain the cornerstone of LLT prescriptions, underscoring their pivotal role in managing dyslipidemia.
- Older populations demonstrate a higher reliance on LLT, indicating targeted health strategies for aging demographics.
- The slight male predominance in LLT initiation suggests nuanced gender dynamics in cardiovascular treatment approaches.
The data underscores the critical role of LLT in managing cardiovascular risk factors within the Greek population. With statins leading the charge, the preference for these medications aligns with global guidelines emphasizing their efficacy and safety in lipid management.
The high prevalence of LLT among older adults highlights the necessity for ongoing cardiovascular risk assessment and personalized treatment plans. As the population ages, maintaining optimal lipid levels becomes increasingly vital in preventing adverse cardiovascular events.
Primary care physicians, including general practitioners and internists, play a substantial role in initiating LLT, reflecting the importance of accessible primary healthcare services in managing chronic conditions. The collaboration between different medical specialties ensures comprehensive care for patients requiring lipid-lowering interventions.
Ezetimibe and fenofibrate’s presence in the therapeutic arsenal indicates a tailored approach to lipid management, catering to patients who may not achieve desired lipid levels with statins alone or who experience adverse effects from higher statin doses.
Implementing large-scale analyses using electronic prescription databases can significantly enhance public health strategies. Such data-driven approaches facilitate the identification of treatment gaps, inform policy decisions, and optimize resource allocation to improve cardiovascular outcomes nationwide.
Monitoring LLT adoption provides valuable insights into public health trends and the effectiveness of current treatment protocols. For healthcare providers, understanding prescribing patterns assists in aligning practices with evidence-based guidelines, ultimately fostering better patient care and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
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