Practical guide for the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in Portugal

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2019Source: Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia (English Edition)Author(s): Ricardo Fontes-Carvalho, Pedro Marques Silva, Elisabete Rodrigues, Francisco Araújo, Cristina Gavina, Jorge Ferreira, João MoraisAbstractReducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is one of the most important strategies for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. However, in clinical practice, a high proportion of patients do not achieve recommended LDL-C levels through lifestyle and lipid-lowering therapy with statins and ezetimibe. PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are a new therapeutic option that significantly (50-60%) reduces LDL-C levels, which in clinical trials translates into an additional reduction in risk for cardiovascular events, and has a good safety profile. However, this therapy is associated with significant costs, and therefore its use in clinical practice should take its cost-effectiveness into account. Priority should be given to use in patients at higher cardiovascular risk and those in whom high LDL-C levels persist despite optimal lipid-lowering therapy.This consensus document aims to summarize the main data on the clinical use of PCSK9i and to make recommendations for Portugal on the profile of patients who may benefit most from this therapy.ResumoA redução dos valores de c-LDL é uma das estratégias mais importantes para a redução do risco de eventos cardiovasculares. Contudo, na prática clínica, um grande númer...
Source: Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research