Efficacy of Mobile-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Lowering Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Multicenter, Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an established risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, low adherence to medication and lifestyle management has limited the benefits of lowering lipid levels. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proposed as a promising solution. OBJECTIVE: This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mobile-based CBT interventions in lowering LDL-C levels in patients with ASCVD. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled 300 patients with ASCVD, who were randomly assigned to the mobile-based CBT intervention group and the control group in a ratio of 1:1. The intervention group received CBT for ASCVD lifestyle interventions delivered by WeChat MiniApp: "CBT ASCVD." The control group only received routine health education during each follow-up. The linear regression and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the effects of a mobile-based CBT intervention on LDL-C, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, the score of General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), quality of life index (QL-index), and LDL-C up-to-standard rate (<1.8 mmol/L) at the first, third, and sixth months. RESULTS: Finally, 296 participants completed the 6-month follow-up (CBT group: n=148; control group: n=148). At baseline, the mean LDL-C level was 2.48 (SD 0.90) mmol/L, and the LDL-C up-to-standard rate (<1.8 mmol/L) was 21.3%. Mobile-based CBT intervention significantly increased the reduction of LDL-C change (%) at the 6-month follow-up (ß=-10.026, 95% CI -18.111 to -1.940). In addition, this benefit remained when baseline LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L (ß=-24.103, 95% CI -43.110 to -5.095). Logistic regression analysis showed that mobile-based CBT intervention moderately increased the LDL-C up-to-standard rates (<1.8 mmol/L) in the sixth month (odds ratio 1.579, 95% CI 0.994-2.508). For GSE and QL-index, mobile-based CBT intervention significantly increased the change of scores (%) at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up (all P values <.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ASCVD, mobile-based CBT is effective in reducing LDL-C levels (even for those who already had a standard LDL-C) and can improve self-efficacy and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100046775; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=127140.

The Effect of Different Statin-Based Lipid-Lowering Strategies on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Statins are lipid-lowering drugs with favorable anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies to reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis is that different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies might reduce hs-CRP. METHODS: This retrospective study included 3653 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Three statin-based lipid-lowering strategies were investigated, including different types of statins (atorvastatin vs. rosuvastatin), statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (vs. without), and intensive statin therapy (vs. regular). The hs-CRP levels and blood lipid indicators were measured at baseline and after 1-month lipid-lowering therapy. Multivariable linear regression analysis and structural equation mode analysis were conducted to verify the association between different lipid-lowering strategies, Δhs-CRP (%) and ΔLDL-C (%). RESULTS: Totally, 3653 patients were enrolled with an average age of 63.81 years. Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy was significantly associated with decreased Δhs-CRP (%) (ß = -0.253, 95% CI: [-0.501 to -0.005], p = 0.045). The increased ΔLDL-C (%) was an independent predictor of elevated levels of Δhs-CRP (%) (ß = 0.487, 95% CI: [0.15-0.824], p = 0.005). Furthermore, structural equation model analysis proved that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (ß = -0.300, p < 0.001) and intensive statin therapy (ß = -0.032, p = 0.043) had an indirect negative effect on Δhs-CRP via ΔLDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with routine statin use, statin combined with ezetimibe therapy and intensive statin therapy could further reduce hs-CRP levels.