Strategies to improve cardiovascular health and treatment of dyslipidemia in Spain. Expert Insights Project

Abstract

Objectives

To gather opinions, recommendations, and proposals for improvement from Spanish clinicians on cardiovascular (CV) health, with particular focus on dyslipidemia management.

Methods

The Expert Insights project involved 8 face-to-face sessions held throughout Spain, attended by 138 CV health experts. Clinicians answered to 25 questions survey related to CV health and dyslipidemia control. Each session included an analysis and a discussion on the perceived realities and areas for improvement.

Results

72% of centres have a standardised process for monitoring patients after a CV episode at discharge, but only 37% during their clinical follow-up. Patient care and management are dependent on the physician, with a lack of coordination between hospital specialties and primary care (PC). 95% of clinicians believe it is necessary to standarise treatment optimisation. 65% of centres prescribe combined lipid-lowering treatment after a CV episode. Updating cLDL levels in the Therapeutic Positioning Report and standardising and globalising the prescription document would reduce iPCSK9 prescription barriers and lead to more equitable access.

Conclusions

In Spain, there are significant deficiencies in the management of dyslipidemia, with a great need for a consensus on standardising management processes and optimising patient treatment. The opinions, recommendations, and improvement proposals from Spanish clinicians on CV health are an important starting point to improve the situation.