The use and efficacy of statins in Hong Kong Chinese dyslipidaemic patients in a primary care setting

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the use and efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs in the Hong Kong primary care setting, comparing with data from international controlled trials. Design: Retrospective analysis of pre- and post- treatment lipid levels amongst a cohort of patients with dyslipidaemia. Subjects: All patients with dyslipidaemia attending our Family Medicine Training Centres during the period from 1st July 2003 to 31st October 2003. Main outcome measures: Pre- and post- treatment serum lipid level s (including total cholesterol, high and low density lipoproteins, and triglycerides). Results: 2762 patients with dyslipidaemia were seen during the stated time period. 41.9% were not on any lipid-lowering drugs, 48.3% were on statins, 9.3% were on gemfibrozil. There were significant differences in drug prescriptions in the >90 years of age group as compared with all other age groups, irrespective of the type of drug used. Lipid levels were achieved at lower doses of statin in comparison to previous trial data. Conclusion: Lower doses of statin in comparison to international trials can be used to achieve the same level of LDL reduction in our local population, thereby reducing costs and possible side-effects. Further prospective studies at the general population level can be performed to elucidate this difference in dose requirements.