Development and validation of clinical criteria to identify familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) in North America.

Background: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is an ultrarare inherited disorder. Genetic testing is not always feasible or conclusive. European clinicians developed a "FCS score" to differentiate between FCS and multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome (MCS), a more common condition with overlapping features.

What's next for lipoprotein(a)? A national lipid association report from an expert panel discussion.

This is an exciting time in the lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) field. Attention to this important lipoprotein and potent cardiovascular risk marker is transitioning from the purview of the specialist to that of the general practitioner. Its clinical adoption as an important test is increasing in momentum.

Role of apolipoprotein B in the clinical management of cardiovascular risk in adults: An Expert Clinical Consensus from the National Lipid Association.

This National Lipid Association (NLA) Expert Clinical Consensus provides an overview of the physiologic and clinical considerations regarding the role of apolipoprotein B (apoB) measurement to guide clinical care based on the available scientific evidence and expert opinion. ApoB represents the total concentration of atherogenic lipoprotein particles in the circulation and more accurately reflects the atherogenic burden of lipoproteins when compared to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). ApoB is a validated clinical measurement that augments the information found in a standard lipoprotein lipid panel; therefore, there is clinical value in using apoB in conjunction with a standard lipoprotein lipid profile when assessing risk and managing lipid-lowering therapy (LLT).

Blast injuries: The experience of a level 1 trauma center.

Background: There is a global surge in blast injuries, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. To our knowledge, there are no guidelines for the management of blast injuries in the trauma bay.

Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study utilized data on all patients admitted to our emergency department (ED) with terror- or combat-related injuries between October 7, 2023 (Gaza Iron Swords War onset) and February 4, 2024.

Clopidogrel-Mediated P2Y Inhibition According to Renal Function in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and CAD.

This prospective ex vivo and in vitro pharmacodynamic (PD)/pharmacokinetic investigation was conducted in patients with diabetes mellitus with (n = 31) and without chronic kidney disease (n = 30). PD assessments included platelet reactivity index, maximum platelet aggregation, and P2Y reaction units. Ex vivo pharmacokinetic assessments included plasma levels of clopidogrel and its active metabolite.

Advances in targeting LDL cholesterol: PCSK9 inhibitors and beyond.

There is a direct relationship between the duration and level of exposure to low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels over one's lifespan and cardiovascular events. Early treatment to lower elevated LDL-C is crucial for better outcomes with multiple therapies currently available to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins. Statins remain the foundation of LDL-C lowering therapy as one of the most cost-effective drugs to reduce atherosclerotic events (ASCVD) and mortality.

Using Guidelines of Care to Lower Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Psoriasis.

National guidelines define psoriasis as a risk enhancer for cardiovascular disease and recommend increased monitoring and more intense management of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients, who face an increased burden of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Screening for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking, can be efficiently incorporated into routine dermatology clinical practice. Partnerships with primary care providers and preventive cardiologists are essential to improving management of cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis.

P2Y Inhibition in Patients Requiring Oral Anticoagulation After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The SWAP-AC-2 Study.

Background: Among patients treated with a novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), combination therapy with clopidogrel (ie, known as dual antithrombotic therapy [DAT]) is the treatment of choice. However, there are concerns for individuals with impaired response to clopidogrel.

Objectives: The authors sought to assess the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of clopidogrel vs low-dose ticagrelor in patients with impaired clopidogrel response assessed by the ABCD-GENE score.

New approaches to triglyceride reduction: Is there any hope left?

Triglycerides play a crucial role in the efficient storage of energy in the body. Mild and moderate hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a heterogeneous disorder with significant association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease and represents an important component of the residual ASCVD risk in statin treated patients despite optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction. Individuals with severe HTG (>1,000 mg/dL) rarely develop atherosclerosis but have an incremental incidence of acute pancreatitis with significant morbidity and mortality.

A focused update to the 2019 NLA scientific statement on use of lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice.

Since the 2019 National Lipid Association (NLA) Scientific Statement on Use of Lipoprotein(a) in Clinical Practice was issued, accumulating epidemiological data have clarified the relationship between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level and cardiovascular disease risk and risk reduction. Therefore, the NLA developed this focused update to guide clinicians in applying this emerging evidence in clinical practice. We now have sufficient evidence to support the recommendation to measure Lp(a) levels at least once in every adult for risk stratification.

Switching From Cangrelor to Prasugrel in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The Switching Antiplatelet-6 (SWAP-6) Study.

Background: A drug-drug interaction (DDI) may occur when transitioning from intravenous P2Y inhibition with cangrelor to oral P2Y inhibition with prasugrel. However, this has never been tested in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Objectives: This study sought to rule out a DDI when cangrelor and prasugrel are concomitantly administered in PCI patients.

Switching from Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with Aspirin Plus a P2Y12 Inhibitor to Dual Pathway Inhibition with Aspirin Plus Vascular-Dose Rivaroxaban: The Switching Anti-Platelet and Anti-Coagulant Therapy (SWAP-AC) Study.

Background:  To date, there are no data on switching to dual pathway inhibition (DPI) patients who have completed a guideline-recommended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen.

Objectives:  To assess the feasibility of switching from DAPT to DPI and to compare the pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of these treatments.

Methods:  This was a prospective, randomized, PD study conducted in 90 patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) on DAPT with aspirin (81 mg/qd) plus a P2Y inhibitor (clopidogrel [75 mg/qd;  = 30], ticagrelor [90 mg/bid;  = 30], or prasugrel [10 mg/qd;  = 30]).

JCL Roundtable: From Gen Med to Clinical Lipidology.

The prevalence of lipid-related risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease surpasses half the population as individuals age, and thus generalists and primary care providers manage by far the bulk of treatment of lipid disorders. It should come as no surprise that many individuals who practice clinical lipidology, focusing on the care of patients with resistant or perplexing lipid disorders, come from a background of general or primary care medicine. Among 429 providers responding to a survey of National Lipid Association (NLA) members in 2010, 50% were internal medicine or family medicine practitioners, 32% cardiologists, 11% endocrinologists, and 7% with a variety of other specialty training.

Current and Emerging Therapies for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction in Hypertriglyceridemia.

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a prevalent medical condition in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors and is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), if left undiagnosed and undertreated. Current guidelines identify HTG as a risk-enhancing factor and, as a result, recommend clinical evaluation and lifestyle-based interventions to address potential secondary causes of elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. For individuals with mild to moderate HTG at risk of ASCVD, statin therapy alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications known to decrease ASCVD risk are guideline-endorsed.

Impact of evolocumab on the pharmacodynamic profiles of clopidogrel in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background: The impact of intense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction using a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor on profiles of platelet reactivity has yet to be explored.

Aims: Our aim was to investigate the effects of the PCSK9 inhibitor, evolocumab, on platelet reactivity in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) on clopidogrel treatment.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmacodynamic study in patients with ASCVD on clopidogrel treatment and with LDL-C levels ≥70 mg/dL despite a maximally tolerated statin dose.

Cangrelor in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Pretreated With Ticagrelor: The Switching Antiplatelet (SWAP)-5 Study.

Background: There are no studies specifically designed to rule out a drug-drug interaction (DDI) when cangrelor is used among patients who have been pretreated with ticagrelor.

Objectives: This study sought to rule out a DDI among cangrelor-treated patients who have been pretreated with ticagrelor.

Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) study, patients with coronary artery disease (N = 20) were pretreated with a 180-mg ticagrelor loading dose and after 1 hour randomized to placebo or cangrelor (bolus and infusion for 2 hours).

Small interfering ribonucleic acid for cholesterol lowering - Inclisiran: Inclisiran for cholesterol lowering.

Despite the development of new therapies to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in recent decades, the trend of reductions in CVD mortality has reversed. New therapies are essential for the prevention of first and recurrent CVD. The importance of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the management and prevention of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) is widely reflected in clinical treatment guidelines; however, most patients with established ASCVD do not achieve guideline-recommended LDL-C targets.

Estimated Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score: An Automated Decision Aid for Statin Therapy.

Background: Estimation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk is a key step in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, but it requires entering additional risk factor information into a computer. We developed a simplified ASCVD risk score that can be automatically calculated by the clinical laboratory when a fasting standard lipid panel is reported.

Methods: Equations for an estimated ASCVD (eASCVD) risk score were developed for 4 race/sex groups (non-Hispanic White/Black, men/women), using the following variables: total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and age.

Platelet P2Y12 inhibiting therapy in adjunct to vascular dose of rivaroxaban or aspirin: a pharmacodynamic study of dual pathway inhibition vs. dual antiplatelet therapy.

Aims: Dual pathway inhibition (DPI) by adding a vascular dose of rivaroxaban to a single antiplatelet agent has emerged as a promising antithrombotic strategy. However, in most studies the antiplatelet agent of choice used in adjunct to a vascular dose of rivaroxaban was aspirin, and data on a P2Y12 inhibitor and how this DPI regimen compares with standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are limited.

Methods And Results: This investigation was a substudy analysis conducted in selected cohorts of patients with stable atherosclerotic disease enrolled from a larger prospective, open-label, parallel-group pharmacodynamic (PD) study.

Genetic Lipid Disorders Associated with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Molecular Basis to Clinical Diagnosis and Epidemiologic Burden.

Genetic lipid disorders, ranging from common dyslipidemias such as familial hypercholesterolemia, lipoprotein (a), and familial combined hyperlipidemia to rare disorders including familial chylomicronemia syndrome and inherited hypoalphalipoproteinemias (ie, Tangier and fish eye diseases), affect millions of individuals in the United States and tens of millions around the world and are often undiagnosed in the general population. Clinicians should take into consideration the potential of inherited lipid disorders or syndromes when severe derangements in lipid parameters are observed. Patients' combined genotype and phenotype should be evaluated in conjunction with a host of environmental factors impacting their risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Pharmacodynamic Profiles of Dual-Pathway Inhibition with or without Clopidogrel versus Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Atherosclerotic Disease.

Aim:  Inhibition of thrombin-mediated signaling processes using a vascular dose of rivaroxaban in adjunct to antiplatelet therapy, known as dual-pathway inhibition (DPI), reduces atherothrombotic events in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease. However, there are limited data on the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of this strategy and how it compares to standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Methods And Results:  This investigation was conducted in selected cohorts of patients ( = 40) with stable atherosclerotic disease-enrolled within a larger prospective, open-label, parallel-group PD study-who were treated with either aspirin plus clopidogrel (DAPT), aspirin plus rivaroxaban 2.