Meeting the Unmet Needs of Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

Saturday, October 15 at 11:00am

This morning will offer primary care physicians guidance on incorporating PCSK9 inhibitors into the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia, a common condition in ambulatory primary care.

In "Meeting the Unmet Needs of Patients with Hypercholesterolemia: A Focus on PCSK9 Inhibitors," Michael Bloch, MD, FACP, FNLA, FASH, FVM, and Ty Gluckman, MD, FACC, FAHA, will discuss the use of PCSK9 inhibitors to optimize outcomes in hypercholesterolemia patients based on their individual risks and characteristics. In addition, the presenters will examine the latest clinical data and current clinical guideline recommendations to maximize the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, as well as outline the clinical impact of non-adherence in these patients.

Bloch, an associate professor in the department of internal medicine at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and Gluckman, an adjunct faculty member at the Ciccarone Center for Preventive Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital, will also share with attendees how to implement strategies—including patient engagement tools—to enhance low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control and outcomes.

The presenters intend to provide a review of PCSK9 inhibitors, discussing the "important role" PCSK9 plays in regulating the expression of the LDL receptor, for example. The session will also include evaluation of the statin-intolerant patient. As Bloch and Gluckman explain, LDL-C lowering with statins remains the primary lipid target for most patients, to reduce the risk of congenital heart defect. They will also offer options for patients with myalgia and normal creatine kinase, such as trying a lower dose or a different statin, perhaps with a different metabolism or hydrophilicity, for instance.

"Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most common disorders seen in ambulatory primary care," says Bloch, noting that a number of landmark clinical studies have been presented in the last year, and a number of different organizations have published guidelines or recommendations for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. 

"Additionally," he says, "we have added PCSK9 inhibitors to our armamentarium of pharmacological approaches to treatment. This presentation is intended to summarize and synthesize this information into ready-to-use practical advice for the primary care provider to utilize in everyday clinical practice."

—Mark McGraw