The Evaluation of the Cardiovascular Risk of Patients Using Statins in a University Medical Clinic Outpatient in Belo Horizonte

Abstract

Introduction: The primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a challenge in the current scenario since, despite the existence of modifiable risk factors, including low-density serum lipoprotein levels, it is estimated that in Brazil, only 58.3% of users of hypolipidemic drugs reach the recommended therapeutic targets. Objective: To report the current state of statin prescription in a secondary-level public clinic and the degree of control according to the cardiovascular risk of patients. Method: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study carried out based on data from the medical records of 170 patients using statins, where cardiovascular risk was assessed using the risk calculator of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. Results: Of the 170 participants, 66% (113) were classified as “high cardiovascular risk,” of which only 65% (73) were using statins. Patients classified as “very high cardiovascular risk” accounted for 16% (28) of the participants, among whom only 69% (18) were statin users. Furthermore, 69% (117) of the total  participants did not reach the intended therapeutic target. Regarding cardiovascular risk classification, there was a significant predominance of patients classified as high-risk. Additionally, it was noted that simvastatin was the most widely used statin in all categories of cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: The results showed that most patients using statins did not reach their therapeutic target based on their cardiovascular risk. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures such as promoting the continued training of prescribers, motivating the use of cardiovascular risk calculation tools, reassessing patients as needed, and adjusting medications to achieve therapeutic targets.