Why carry out this study?

There is little evidence on the relationship between achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and resource use and costs in patients on lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) after a recent myocardial infarction (MI).

In Spain, there is a substantial economic burden (direct and indirect costs) associated with patients experiencing a recent MI.

In this retrospective observational study, electronic medical records of 6025 patients, hospitalized for an MI and on LLT, were described, including achieved LDL-C levels, healthcare resource use, and costs.

What did the study ask? What was the hypothesis of the study?

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of LLT in reducing LDL-C levels in real-world clinical practice, and the subsequent impact on healthcare resource use and related direct and indirect costs.

What was learned from the study?

Achieving lower LDL-C levels in patients treated with LLT who had a recent MI might be associated with lower healthcare resource use and costs.

What were the study outcomes/conclusions?

Very few patients achieved recommended LDL-C levels following a recent MI, with only 11% of patients achieving the recommended goal of < 70 mg/dL at the time of study, and 1% of patients achieving the goal of < 55 mg/dL in the updated 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines.

Lower achieved LDL-C levels and higher intensity of LLT both appeared to be associated with lower healthcare resource use and costs.