Abstract
Background and aim. Statins are-the drug of choice in treating dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to measure the success, I of dyslipidemia control, and contributing factors (preventable and nonpreventable) in this control.
Methodology: The study was carried out at a cardiac clinic of Penang Hospital-in Malaysia. Data of dyslipidemia control on patients' followed up visits were obtained from their medical progress files. The assessment of dyslipidemia con trol was based on National Cholesterol Education Program report III (NCEP). The contributing factors for non preventable were age, gender, race and types of dyslipidemia. For some preventable factors were type and dose of statin and also he combination of antidislipidemic drugs.
Results: Less than half of 463 patients achieved dyslipidemia control (LDL control 44% and non-HDL control 41%) during their-of followed visits which ranged from 2 months to 20 years. The LDL control in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients or equivalent risk is less than non-CHD patients, 41% versus 70% while for non-HDL is 38% versus 70%. Percentage of patients achieved desired target lior other lipids were TC 61%, LDL 36%, HDL 60% and TG 52.2%. Dyslipidemia control as not influenced by gender, type and duration of statins use smoking, alcoholic except lovastatin at low dose (20 mg), ethnicity (Chinese) and type of dyslipidemia (secondary). However the subtype of primary dyslipidemia (type W) significantly influenced the LDL control while subtype I significantly influenced the non-HDL control.
Conclusion: Less than half especially in CHD group,achieved dyslipidemia control. Lovastatin at low dose (20 mg) is sufficient to control dyslipidemia in majority of patients. Combination of antidyslipidemics, secondary dyslipidemia, some subtypes of primary dyslipidemia and ethnicity (Chinese) contributed to dyslipidemia control.