Influence of the confinement that occurred in Spain due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak on adherence to the Mediterranean diet. / Influencia del confinamiento ocurrido en España debido a la pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea.

INTRODUCTION: The Mediterranean diet (MDiet) reduces morbidity and mortality. The lockdown that took place in Spain between the months of March and May 2020 may have led to behavioural changes. The aim of the present study was to assess adherence to the MDiet at the end of the lockdown period and to compare it with the situation prior to it. METHODS: Data were obtained by means of 2online questionnaires, one at the beginning of lockdown and the other at the end, completed by adults from the Spanish population, who responded anonymously and voluntarily. The assessment of adherence to the MDiet was carried out using 2questionnaires: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and modified PREDIMED, which contained 14 questions each. Other variables included were: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), autonomous community of origin, home living conditions, and level of studies achieved. At the end of the lockdown period, the comparison was made using the Student t statistic and the McNemar test. RESULTS: A total of 207 people (137 women) participated, with a mean age 51.3±12.4 years, age range: 20-83 years. After lockdown, BMI remained unchanged (initial 24.55±3.7kg/m2 and final 24.57±3.7kg/m2, P=.752), as well as fish consumption (initial 51.2%) and 60.9% at the end, P=.003), mainly due to the women, and adherence to the Mdiet. The mean total score of MEDAS increased with 10.16±2.0 at the beginning, and 10.57±2.0 at the end; P=.001). This also occurred with the modified PREDIMED (9.47±2.1 at the beginning and 9.93±2.1 at the end, P<.001). Similarly, the proportion of participants that had a score classified as high at the beginning increased at the end of lockdown: from 80.7% initially in MEDAS to 87.9% at the end (P=.021) and from 68.6% initially in modified PREDIMED to 75.8% at the end (P=.037). CONCLUSIONS: In the study sample, during lockdown there were no changes in BMI, but there were increases in fish consumption and adherence to the MDiet.

[Changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet observed in a Spanish population during confinement for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. / Cambios observados en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una población española durante el confinamiento debido a la pandemia ocasionada por el SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic can influence the dietary profiles of the population, suddenly subjected to a stressful factor that implies important modifications in life habits. Among others, a restriction of mobility and a change in the way of carrying out work, going from being face-to-face to non-contact (teleworking). Objective: to know the usual dietary pattern prior to confinement, and to assess the evolution of adherence to the Mediterranean diet weekly until its conclusion. Methods: data were collected using a weekly anonymous online questionnaire that monitored adherence to the Mediterranean diet in real time in an initial sample of 490 adults from Spain. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) and modified PREDIMED questionnaires. Results: confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the eating habits of the participants, so that adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased at the end of the confinement period, which is of special interest, since it was based on a good initial adherence (MEDAS adherence: 10.03 ± 1.9 initial and 10.47 ± 2.1 final; p = 0.016; modified PREDIMED adherence: 9.26 ± 2.0 initial and 9.89 ± 2.1 final; p < 0.001), without observing clinically relevant changes in body composition as measured by body mass index (BMI) except in women (23.3 kg/m2 ± 2.9 initial and 23.4 kg/m2 ± 2.9 final; p < 0.001), with a slight increase in this parameter, but maintaining on average the healthy values recommended by the guidelines. Conclusions: in the studied population we observed an improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean diet without observing clinically relevant changes in BMI.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el confinamiento domiciliario debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 puede influir en los perfiles dietéticos de la población, sometida súbitamente a un factor estresante que implica importantes modificaciones en los hábitos de vida. Entre otros, la restricción de la movilidad y el cambio en la forma de realizar el trabajo, pasando de ser presencial a no presencial (teletrabajo). Objetivo: conocer el patrón dietético habitual previo al confinamiento y valorar la evolución de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea semanalmente hasta la conclusión del mismo. Métodos: los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario anónimo semanal en línea que monitorizó la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en tiempo real en una muestra inicial de 490 adultos de España. La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se valoró mediante los cuestionarios MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) y PREDIMED modificado. Resultados: el confinamiento debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 influyó en los hábitos alimenticios de los participantes, de modo que la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea aumentó al concluir el período de confinamiento, lo cual tiene especial interés, ya que se partía de una buena adherencia inicial (adherencia MEDAS: 10,03 ± 1,9 inicial y 10,47 ± 2,1 final; p = 0,016; adherencia PREDIMED modificado: 9,26 ± 2,0 inicial y 9,89 ± 2,1 final; p < 0,001), sin observarse cambios clínicamente relevantes en la composición corporal valorada por el índice de masa corporal (IMC) excepto en las mujeres (23,3 kg/m2 ± 2,9 inicial y 23,4 kg/m2 ± 2,9 final; p < 0,001), con un discreto aumento de dicho parámetro pero manteniendo en promedio los valores saludables aconsejados por las guías. Conclusiones: en la población estudiada observamos una mejora de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea sin observar cambios clínicamente relevantes en el IMC.

Adhesion to the Mediterranean diet in diabetic patients with poor control. / Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en pacientes diabéticos con mal control.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relationship between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the control of cardiovascular risk factors. METHOD: A descriptive, observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus type 2, with poor blood glucose control and a Body Mass Index greater than 25kg/m2. The relationship between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated before and after education about the Mediterranean diet. The patients were given a questionnaire on the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (the Mediterranean diet score), at the beginning of the study and at 6 month after having education about the Mediterranean diet in the Primary Care medical and nursing clinics. An analysis was carried out on the variables including, gender, age, weight, height, and Body Mass Index, as well as the analytical parameters of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, total, HDL, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The relationship between the primary variable, 'adherence to the Mediterranean diet', and the rest of the variables was calculated before and after the educational intervention. RESULTS: The initial 'adherence to the Mediterranean diet score' in the questionnaire was relatively low (6.22). Excess weight, as well as to have an elevated Body Mass Index are associated with a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as well as low adherence to treatment (P<.00 and P<.02, respectively). The values of HDL cholesterol values increased with greater adherence (P<.04). Elevated LDL and total cholesterol are associated with a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (P<.01 and P<.05, respectively), similar to that of elevated triglycerides (P<.00). Elevated baseline blood glucose levels are also associated with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (P<.04), as well as the increase in glycosylated haemoglobin (P<.06). Thus the cardiovascular risk increases with low adherence (P<.08). After the educational intervention, a moderate increase was observed in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (a score of 6.84) as well as a notable improvement in the control of the cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with improved control of cardiovascular risk factors.

Esteatosis hepática no alcohólica y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en atención primaria / Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Primary Care

Varias circunstancias motivan el creciente interés por la esteatosis hepática no alcohólica (EHNA): la elevada prevalencia de la enfermedad en el mundo occidental, su capacidad de progresión a formas histológicas más agresivas y su asociación con enfermedades que incrementan el riesgo cardiovascular. Objetivo: analizar la relación de la esteatosis hepática no alcohólica con los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con criterios de síndrome metabólico. Método: fue realizado un estudio descriptivo transversal con una muestra de 100 pacientes, con 2 o más factores de riesgo cardiovascular, con nula o baja ingesta de alcohol, que acudían a consulta de atención primaria. A los seleccionados se les solicitó analítica completa e interconsulta para ecografía de abdomen completo. Se evaluó si tenían esteatosis hepática; en caso de ser afirmativo, se estratificaba en 3 grados. Se recogieron las siguientes variables tanto cualitativas (sexo, antecedentes personales y familiares de diabetes, hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia, entre otros) y cuantitativas (edad, peso, talla, índice de masa corporal, tratamiento farmacológico, cifras de distintos parámetros analíticos, cifras de tensión arterial y perímetro abdominal). Resultados: participaron 100 pacientes, 56% de los cuales eran mujeres, con una edad media de 61,84 DE ± 9,5 años. Del total de sujetos del estudio, el 23 % no tenía esteatosis hepática no alcohólica; un 29% tenía esteatosis hepática leve; otro 29%, esteatosis hepática moderada; y el 19% restante, esteatosis hepática severa. En los hombres, el 82% presentó esteatosis hepática. De las mujeres, el 28,57% no presentó hígado graso. Un 22% tenía sobrepeso y un 38% de los pacientes eran obesos. Solo un 22% y un 18% tenían alteradas las cifras tensionales sistólica y diastólica, respectivamente. El 60% tenía una glucemia basal alterada. En cuanto a los parámetros lipídicos, el 36% tenía hipertrigliceridemia; el 41%, hipercolesterolemia, con un 65% de colesterol LDL alto y un 16% de colesterol HDL bajo. El 83% de los pacientes tenía 2 o más criterios de síndrome metabólico. Conclusiones: hay una estrecha relación entre la aparición de esteatosis hepática no alcohólica y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con síndrome metabólico, por lo que se recomienda que, ante la aparición de estos, se analice el hígado.

Several factors motivate the growing interest in this disease. They include the high prevalence of the disease in the Western world, its ability to progress to more aggressive histological forms, and its association with diseases that increase cardiovascular risk. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with criteria for metabolic syndrome. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 100 patients who had two or more cardiovascular risk factors, who did not consume alcohol or consumed only small amounts of alcohol, and who came to the primary care clinic. The patients selected underwent complete analyses including abdominal ultrasound. They were evaluated for hepatic steatosis, and, if they tested positive, it was stratified into three degrees. Among the qualitative variables used were sex, personal and family history of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and the quantitative variables included age, weight, height, body mass index, pharmacological treatment, numbers of different analytical parameters, blood pressure and abdominal perimeter.Results: There were 100 patients, 56% of whom were women. Patients’ mean age was 61.84 SD +/- 9.5 years. Of the total number of subjects in the study, 23% did not have NASH, 29% had mild hepatic steatosis, 29% had moderate hepatic steatosis and 19% had severe hepatic steatosis. Of the men in the study, 82% had hepatic steatosis. Of the women, 28.57% did not have fatty livers. 22% were overweight and 38% obese. Only 22% had altered the systolic blood pressure and and 18% had altered diastolic blood pressure. 60% had altered basal glycemia. 36% had hypertriglyceremia, 41% had hypercholesterolemia including 65% with high LDL cholesterol and 16% with low HDL cholesterol. 83% of the patients had two or more criteria for metabolic syndrome.Conclusions: There is a close relationship between the occurrence of NASH and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome, and it is advisable that the liver be analyzed.

METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS COMPONENTS IN SPANISH POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN.

OBJECTIVES: this study aimed to estimate prevalence of metabolic syndrome and all its components to know the cardiovascular risk and metabolic control of the main risk factors in postmenopausal women aged over 45 years in the province of Cuenca (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain). METHODS: in this cross-sectional study, we randomly selected 716 postmenopausal women from 3,108 women aged over 45. Metabolic syndrome was identified according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Cardiovascular risk was calculated by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation ( < 65 years). The American Diabetes Association´s standards of medical care in diabetes were used to estimate metabolic control. The statistical analysis was done with SPPS.19 RESULTS: prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 61.7% (95%CI: 56.9-66.4). Prevalence of each component was: high blood pressure: 95.8% (95%CI: 95.7-95.8), abdominal obesity: 91% (95%CI: 90.9-91.0), low high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDLc) levels: 70% (95%CI: 69.8-69.9), high triglyceride levels: 56.9% (95%CI: 56.4- 56.9), high glucose levels: 54.3% (95%CI: 54.2-54.3). Cardiovascular risk was moderate until 65 years, but was high after this age. Metabolic control in postmenopausal women was very good for glucose, bad for systolic blood pressure and worse for lipid levels. Bad blood pressure control was associated with being over 65 years, being hypertensive and taking treatment for diabetes, but it reduced when being physically limited to do moderate exercise and anxiety increased. CONCLUSIONS: prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women in the province of Cuenca is the highest in Spain. High blood pressure and abdominal obesity are the commonest components. Cardiovascular risk was moderate-high in postmenopausal women, but systolic blood pressure and lipid profile were unsatisfactorily controlled. Early intervention is necessary to achieve a better risk profile.

Objetivo: los objetivos de este estudio fueron estimar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico y cada uno de sus componentes en mujeres menopáusicas mayores de 45 años de la provincia de Cuenca (España), con el fin de conocer su riesgo cardiovascular y el control metabólico de los principales factores de riesgo. Método: estudio observacional, transversal con selección aleatoria de 716 mujeres entre 3.108 menopáusicas mayores de 45 años. El síndrome metabólico se identificó de acuerdo con la definición del NCEP-ATP III. El riesgo cardiovascular se calculó con la tabla SCORE en las menores de 65 años y se utilizaron los estándares de la American Diabetes Association "ADA" para estimar el control metabólico. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS.19. Resultados: la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico fue del 61,7% (IC95% 56,9-66,4). La prevalencia de cada componente fue: hipertensión arterial: 95,8% (IC95% 95,7-95,8), obesidad abdominal: 91% (IC95% 90,9-91,0), niveles bajos de HDLc: 70% (IC95% 69,8-69,9), hipertrigliceridemia: 56,9% (IC95% 56,4-56,9), hiperglucemia: 54,3% (IC95% 54,2-54,3). El riesgo cardiovascular fue moderado hasta los 65 años y alto en la mayoría de las mujeres que superaban esa edad. El control metabólico fue muy bueno para la glucemia, malo para la presión arterial sistólica y peor para los niveles de lípidos. El mal control de la presión sanguínea se asoció a ser mayor de 65 años, hipertensa y recibir terapia antidiabética, mejorando cuando la limitación física para actividades moderadas y la ansiedad aumentaban. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en mujeres postmenopáusicas de la provincia de Cuenca es la más alta de España. La hipertensión y la obesidad abdominal son los componentes más frecuentes. El riesgo cardiovascular es moderado­alto en la postmenopausia; sin embargo, el control de la hipertensión arterial sistólica y del perfil lipídico es insatisfactorio. Es necesaria una intervención precoz para mejorar su perfil de riesgo.

[Active interventions in hypercholesteroloemia patients with high cardiovascular risk in primary care; estudio ESPROCOL]. / INTERVENCIÓN ACTIVA EN LA HIPERCOLESTEROLEMIA DE PACIENTES CON RIESGO CARDIOVASCULAR ALTO DE ATENCIÓN PRIMARIA; ESTUDIO ESPROCOL.

INTRODUCTION: Hypercholesterolemia is a major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Its reduction reduces morbidity and mortality from ischemic heart disease and CVD in general, primary prevention and secondary prevention especially. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a notarized and intensive clinical practice can overcome inertia and achieve the therapeutic goal (OT) LDL-C <100 mg/dL in high-risk patients attended in Primary Care (PC) in our country. METHODOLOGY: Epidemiological, prospective, multicenter study conducted in centers of different ACs By AP consecutive sampling 310 patients at high cardiovascular risk (diabetic or established CVD) previously treated with statins, which did not reach the OT included c-LDL. RESULTS: The study subjects had a mean age of 65.2 years, of which 60.32% were male. The 41.64% had a previous EVC, acute myocardial infarction (20.33%), angina (16.07%), stroke/TIA (9.19%), arthropathy (5.25%), diabetes (70.87%), hypertension (71.01%), and abdominal obesity (69.62%). The 43.57% (95% CI: 37,21; 50,08) of patients who performed the 2nd visit (241) got the OT. 62.50% (95% CI: 55.68, 68.98) of those who took the 3rd (216) got the OT. Finally, 77.56% (95% CI: 72.13, 83.08) patients who performed the last visit (205) got the OT. Throughout the study there was a reduction in LDL-C levels from 135.6 mg/dL at baseline, 107.4 mg dL in the 2nd visit, 97.3 mg/dL in the 3rd visit, up to 90.7 mg/dL at the final visit (p < 0.0001). The increase in HDL-C from baseline (50.9 mg/dL) and final (53.6 mg/dL) was also significant (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The reassessment and intensification of treatment in patients at high cardiovascular risk treated in primary care, applying the indications of the guides, achieves the OT in more than three quarters of the previously uncontrolled within half a year. These results should encourage us to overcome the therapeutic inertia in the control of CVD by early and energetic performance against hypercholesterolemia.

Introducción: la hipercolesterolemia es uno de los principales factores de riesgo modificables de la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Su reducción disminuye la morbimortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y ECV en general, en prevención primaria y, especialmente, en prevención secundaria. Objetivo: comprobar si una práctica clínica protocolizada e intensiva permite vencer la inercia y alcanzar el objetivo terapéutico (OT) de c-LDL < 100 mg/dL en pacientes de alto riesgo asistidos en Atención Primaria (AP) de nuestro país. Metodología: estudio epidemiológico, prospectivo, multicentrico, realizado en centros de AP de diferentes CC. AA. Mediante muestreo consecutivo se incluyeron 310 pacientes de alto riesgo cardiovascular (diabéticos o con ECV establecida), tratados previamente con estatinas, que no alcanzaban el OT de c-LDL. Resultados: los sujetos del estudio tenían una edad media de 65,2 años, de los que el 60,32 % eran varones. El 41,64 % presentaban un EVC previo, infarto agudo de miocardio (20,33 %), angina (16,07 %), ictus/AIT (9,19 %), artropatía (5,25 %), diabetes (70,87 %), hipertensión (71,01 %) y obesidad abdominal (69,62 %). El 43,57 % (IC95 %: 37,21; 50,08) de los pacientes que realizaron la segunda visita (241) consiguieron el OT. El 62,50 % (IC95 %: 55,68; 68,98) de los que realizaron la tercera (216) consiguieron el OT. Finalmente, el 77,56 % (IC95 %: 72,13; 83,08) de los pacientes que realizaron la última visita (205) consiguieron el OT. A lo largo del estudio hubo una reducción de los niveles de c-LDL desde los 135,6 mg/dL en la visita basal, 107,4 mg/dL en la segunda visita, 97,3 mg/dL en la tercera visita, hasta los 90,7 mg/dL en la visita final (p < 0,0001). El incremento de c-HDL entre la visita basal (50,9 mg/dL) y la final (53,6 mg/dL) también fue significativo (p = 0,013). Conclusiones: la reevaluación e intensificación del tratamiento en pacientes de alto riesgo cardiovascular atendidos en Atención Primaria, aplicando las indicaciones de las guías, permite alcanzar el OT en más de las tres cuartas partes de los previamente no controlados en el plazo de medio año. Estos resultados nos deben estimular a superar la inercia terapéutica en el control de la ECV mediante una actuación precoz y enérgica ante la hipercolesterolemia.

[Subclinical hypothyroidism and cardiovascular risk]. / HIPOTIROIDISMO SUBCLÍNICO Y RIESGO CARDIOVASCULAR.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether subclinical hypothyroidism can behave as a cardiovascular risk factor or a modifier thereof, identifying epidemiological variables and estimated in a sample of patients diagnosed in the province of Albacete (Spain) cardiovascular risk. METHODOLOGY: Observational, descriptive study was carried out in Albacete during the first half of January 2012 in patients of both genders with subclinical hypothyroidism. The following variables were analyzed: Fasting glucose , total cholesterol , HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol , triglycerides , TSH , T4 , weight, height, Body Mass Index , blood pressure, a history of cardiovascular disease , cardiovascular risk factors and estimated cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: 326 patients younger than 65 years at 78% without cardiovascular risk factors in 48.61 %, with female predominance (79.2 %). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was identified: smoking (33.2 %), diabetes mellitus (24.9%), hypertension (23.4 %), lipid abnormalities (28.9%) and atrial fibrillation (4,9%). No association between subclinical hypothyroidism and most lipid profile parameters that determine a pro- atherogenic profile, except with hypertriglyceridemia was found. Likewise, neither association with increased cardiovascular risk was found. DISCUSSION: The profile of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism is a middle-aged woman with no cardiovascular risk factors in half of cases. It has been found relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and hypertriglyceridemia, but not with the other parameters of lipid profile, other cardiovascular risk factors or with increased risk. However, 25% of diabetics and 22% of non-diabetics are at moderate to high cardiovascular risk.

Objetivos: Valorar si el hipotiroidismo subclínico puede comportarse como un factor de riesgo cardiovascular o un modificador del mismo, identificando variables epidemiológicas y riesgo cardiovascular estimado en una muestra de sujetos diagnosticados en la provincia de Albacete. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal realizado en Albacete durante la primera quincena de enero de 2012 en pacientes de ambos géneros con hipotiroidismo subclínico. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: glucemia basal, colesterol total, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL, triglicéridos, TSH, T4, peso, talla, I.M.C., tensión arterial, antecedentes de patología cardiovascular, factores de riesgo cardiovascular y riesgo cardiovascular estimado. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 326 pacientes, con predominio femenino (79,2 %), menores de 65 años en el 78% y sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular en el 48,61%. La prevalencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular identificados fué: tabaquismo (33,2%), diabetes mellitus (24,9%), hipertensión arterial (23,4%), alteraciones lipídicas (28,9%) y fibrilación auricular (4,9 %). No se encontró asociación entre hipotiroidismo subclínico y la mayoría de los parámetros del perfil lipídico que condicionan un perfil pro-aterogénico, salvo con la hipertrigliceridemia. Asimismo, tampoco se constató asociación con riesgo cardiovascular aumentado. Conclusiones: El perfil del paciente con hipotiroidismo subclínico es una mujer de mediana edad sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la mitad de casos. Se ha encontrado relación entre hipotiroidismo subclínico e hipertrigliceridemia, pero no con el resto de parámetros del perfil lipídico, otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular o con aumento de dicho riesgo. Sin embargo, un 25% de diabéticos y un 22% de no diabéticos están en situación de riesgo cardiovascular moderado-alto.

[Active interventions in hypercholesteroloemia patients with high cardivascular risk in primary care]. / INTERVENCIÓN ACTIVA EN LA HIPERCOLESTEROLEMIA DE PACIENTES CON RIESGO CARDIOVASCULAR ALTO DE ATENCIÓN PRIMARIA; ESTUDIO ESPROCOL.

INTRODUCTION: Hypercholesterolemia is a major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Its reduction reduces morbidity and mortality from ischemic heart disease and CVD in general, primary prevention and secondary prevention especially. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a notarized and intensive clinical practice can overcome inertia and achieve the therapeutic goal (OT) LDL-C <100 mg / dL in high-risk patients attended in Primary Care (PC) in our country. METHODOLOGY: epidemiological, prospective, multicenter study conducted in centers of different ACs By AP consecutive sampling 310 patients at high cardiovascular risk (diabetic or established CVD) previously treated with statins, which did not reach the OT included c-LDL. RESULTS: The study subjects had a mean age of 65.2 years, of which 60.32% were male. The 41.64% had a previous EVC, acute myocardial infarction (20.33%), angina (16.07%), stroke / TIA (9.19%), arthropathy (5.25%), diabetes (70 , 87%), hypertension (71.01%), and abdominal obesity (69.62%). The 43.57% (95% CI: 37,21; 50,08) of patients who performed the 2nd visit (241) got the OT. 62.50% (95% CI: 55.68, 68.98) of those who took the 3rd (216) got the OT. Finally, 77.56% (95% CI: 72.13, 83.08) patients who performed the last visit (205) got the OT. Throughout the study there was a reduction in LDL-C levels from 135.6 mg / dL at baseline, 107.4 mg / dL in the 2nd visit, 97.3 mg / dL in the 3rd visit, up to 90.7 mg / dL at the final visit (p <0.0001) The increase in HDL-C from baseline (50.9 mg / dL) and final (53.6 mg / dL) was also significant (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The reassessment and intensification of treatment in patients at high cardiovascular risk treated in primary care, applying the indications of the guides, achieves the OT in more than three quarters of the previously uncontrolled within half a year. These results should encourage us to overcome the therapeutic inertia in the control of CVD by early and energetic performance against hypercholesterolemia.

Introducción: La hipercolesterolemia es uno de los principales factores de riesgo modificables de la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Su reducción disminuye la morbimortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y ECV en general, en prevención primaria y en prevención secundaria especialmente. Objetivo: Comprobar si una práctica clínica protocolizada e intensiva permite vencer la inercia y alcanzar el objetivo terapéutico (OT) de c-LDL < 100 mg/dL en pacientes de alto riesgo asistidos en Atención Primaria (AP) de nuestro país. Metodología: Estudio epidemiológico, prospectivo, multicentrico, realizado en Centros de AP de diferentes CC.AA. Mediante muestreo consecutivo se incluyeron 310 pacientes de alto riesgo cardiovascular (diabéticos o con ECV establecida), tratados previamente con estatinas, que no alcanzaban el OT de c-LDL. Resultados: Los sujetos del estudio tenían una edad media de 65,2 años, de los que el 60,32% eran varones. El 41,64% presentaba un EVC previo, infarto agudo de miocardio (20,33%), angina (16,07%), ictus/AIT (9,19%), artropatía (5,25%), diabetes (70,87%), hipertensión (71,01%), y obesidad abdominal (69,62%). El 43,57% (IC95%: 37,21; 50,08) de los pacientes que realizaron la 2a visita (241) consiguieron el OT. El 62,50% (IC95%: 55,68; 68,98) de los que realizaron la 3a (216) consiguieron el OT. Finalmente, el 77,56% (IC95%: 72,13; 83,08) de los pacientes que realizaron la última visita (205) consiguieron el OT. A lo largo del estudio hubo una reducción de los niveles de c-LDL desde los 135,6 mg/ dL en la visita basal, 107,4 mg/dL en la 2a visita, 97,3 mg/ dL en la 3a visita, hasta los 90,7 mg/dL en la visita final (p < 0,0001) El incremento de c-HDL entre la visita basal (50,9 mg/dL) y la final (53,6 mg/dL) también fue significativo (p = 0,013). Conclusiones: La reevaluación e intensificación del tratamiento en pacientes de alto riesgo cardiovascular atendidos en Atención Primaria, aplicando las indicaciones de las guías, permite alcanzar el OT en más de las tres cuartas partes de los previamente no controlados en el plazo de medio año. Estos resultados nos deben estimular a superar la inercia terapéutica en el control de la ECV mediante una actuación precoz y enérgica ante la hipercolesterolemia.

A pharmacoeconomic evaluation of statins in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in the primary care setting in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and it has been shown that primary prevention with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) lipid-lowering drugs can reduce cardiovascular events. Acquisition costs vary between statins and this may be an important consideration in the overall cost effectiveness (CE) of different options. OBJECTIVE: To perform a CE study of the main statins used in Spain for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with high cholesterol levels [corrected] STUDY DESIGN: The CE analysis was based on an open-label, prospective, naturalistic, randomised intervention study under usual care conditions in primary care settings in patients with high cholesterol levels (total cholesterol [TC] >240 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] >160 mg/dL) and one or more cardiovascular risk factors. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System; the year of costing was 2001. PATIENTS: A total of 161 patients (49.7% males), mean age 65 +/- 10.3 years, without evidence of cardiovascular disease were included in the study. Of those, 82.1% were hypertensive, 37.1% had diabetes mellitus and 17.9% were smokers. INTERVENTIONS: Forty-eight patients received oral atorvastatin 10 mg/day, 32 received fluvastatin 40 mg/day, 44 received simvastatin 20 mg/day and 37 patients received pravastatin 20 mg/day for 6 months. MAIN MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: After 6 months, the therapeutic goals of LDL-C control, according to the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis--Consensus-2000, were reached in 62.5%, 43.8%, 45.5% and 40.5% of patients treated with atorvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin, respectively. The average CE ratio, expressed as the cost in euros (euro) per patient achieving the therapeutic goals, was euros 424.3 for atorvastatin, euros 503.5 for fluvastatin, euros 527.0 for simvastatin and euros 683.4 for pravastatin. The incremental CE ratios for atorvastatin versus fluvastatin and simvastatin were euros 238.9 and euros 149.5, respectively, per additional patient reaching therapeutic goals. Atorvastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin all dominated pravastatin. CONCLUSIONS: All the statins studied have been shown to be effective for reducing both TC and LDL-C levels. In this study, atorvastatin was the most efficient drug, with the best CE ratio (cost per patient reaching therapeutic goals). Atorvastatin was more effective and less costly than pravastatin, and when compared with fluvastatin or simvastatin the additional cost per additional patient achieving therapeutic goals was