Safety of simvastatin and goal attainment for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in sultan qaboos university hospital

Objectives: Despite the scientific evidence of reducing cardiac events with HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (statins) therapy in both primary and secondary preventions, these therapies continue to be underutilized in patients receiving convictional care. Simvastatin, a HMG Co-A inhibitor agent, is the most commonly used statin in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The aim of this study is to review the safety and the effectiveness of achieving LDL-C targets with Simvastatin according to the NCEP-ATP3 guidelines in patients with different cardiovascular risk categories at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 160 patients. Patients were identified by outpatient prescriptions provided by pharmacy department from April 2008 to May 2008. Results: 98% of the patients were prescribed simvastatin 20 mg and only 2% received 40 mg. The mean age of patients was 57 years +/-12. While 49% of the patients were male and 45% had diabetes mellitus, 50% had cardiovascular disease, 2.5% were smokers, 67% were hypertensive, and 3% had positive family history of coronary artery disease. 75% of patients were classified as high risk, 7% moderate risk and 18% low risk for coronary artery disease. Among all lipid profiles, only LDL-C was changed from baseline with simvastatin treatment in all patients (3.60±1.03 to 3.25±1.34 mmol/L). LDL-C level at baseline was higher in the high risk group (4.11±1.06 mmol/L) compared to low and moderate risk groups (3.68±0.89, 3.42±1.15) respectively. Achievement of LDL-C goals was achieved in only 43% for high risk, 50% in moderate risk, and 90% in low risk patients. There was no significant increase in liver enzymes and creatinine kinase. Conclusion: This study identified that more than half of the high risk patients were not at the target LDL-C goals which place them at a continuous risk of coronary heart disease. More appropriate lipid lowering therapy using more potent statins or combination therapy should be optimized to improve achievement of LDL-C goals according to ATP-III guidelines.