Use of High-Intensity Statin Strategy. Are the Guidelines Followed?

Background: Secondary prevention in patients < 76 years with history of a vascular event or previous revascularization includes the use of high intensity-statin therapy. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the 1-year adherence to treatment since patients’ discharge from the coronary care unit. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients between January and November 2015. Median follow-up was 9 months. Results: A total of 210 patients were included; 83% were men and median age was 59 years (52-67.5). Most patients (74.5%) were discharged with atorvastatin 40 mg/day, 19% with rosuvastatin 20 mg/day, 2.7% with atorvastatin 80 mg/day and 3.9% with rosuvastatin 40 mg/day. Half of the patients continued with high-intensity statins, 28% reduced the dose and 22% stopped the treatment. Conclusions: Only half of the patients with high vascular risk or history of recent revascularization continues with the treatment after one year.