Centralized Pan-Middle East Survey on the Under-Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia: Results from the CEPHEUS Study in Egypt.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality; however, the risks associated with this disease can be reduced by targeting circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with lipid-lowering drugs, as recommended in many treatment guidelines. Their effectiveness for hypercholesterolemia management depends on appropriate use in at-risk patients. Observational studies have shown varying adherence to national and international guidelines on reaching LDL-C treatment goals.


METHODS
The Centralized Pan-Middle East Survey on the under-treatment of hypercholesterolemia (CEPHEUS) study observed the current management of hypercholesterolemia in patients on lipid-lowering drugs in seven Middle Eastern countries, and results from 1,043 patients in Egypt are presented here.


RESULTS
Overall, less than 50% of patients achieved their LDL-C treatment goal, with patients at higher risk of a cardiovascular event being less likely to attain their target. Nearly, three-quarters of patients in this study were considered high or very high risk, with only 10% of high-risk patients reaching their treatment goal.


CONCLUSIONS
Management of hypercholesterolemia in Egypt is comparatively worse than the average for similar countries in the region, and many patients with high risk of CVD are not being effectively treated. Initiatives to improve physicians' management of these patients and patient compliance to treatment are urgently needed.


BACKGROUND
AstraZeneca, Cairo, Egypt.
College of Medicine, Menoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt. ashrafreda5555@gmail.com.
A
A
Reda
Diabetes and Metabolism Unit, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
A A
AA
Abdel-Rehim
Department of Internal Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
A
A
Etman
Cardiology Department, Banha University, Banha, Egypt.
O S A
OS
Afifi
CEPHEUS; Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular risk; Egypt; Hypercholesterolemia; LDL cholesterol; Lipid-lowering drugs; Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Observational; Statins