Abstract P448: Trends and Predictors of Statin Initiation Among Veterans With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Introduction: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), defined as LDL-C ≥190mg/dL, is a strong cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. The AHA/ACC guidelines recommend high intensity statins for primary prevention irrespective of global risk assessment. We sought to characterize trends and predictors of statin initiation among Veterans with FH in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods: Inclusion criteria consisted of care at the VHA (2002-2014), age ≥21 years, baseline LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL, no prevalent CVD, no prior statin use, and statin initiation within 90 days of LDL-C measurement. We defined baseline LDL-C in quartiles: Q1=190-195, Q2=196-202, Q3=203-215, and Q4 >215 (mg/dL). Statin intensity was defined as average intensity over one year following baseline LDL-C measurement. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the odds of any statin initiation and high intensity statin initiation. Results: Over 12 years, 165,110 Veterans (age=52.9±11.9, men=91%; white race=74%) were included. Statins were initiated in 88,878 patients (overall 54%, 62% in 2014). Overall, 29,533 Veterans were on high intensity statins (overall 33%, 20% in 2002, 50% in 2014). In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, significant predictors of statin initiation were age, white race, diabetes hypertension, smoking, baseline LDL-C, and recent calendar year. Among those initiated on high intensity statins, the same predictors were significant; however, African Americans were more likely to be started on a high intensity statin (Table). Conclusions: Among Veterans with FH, the odds of statin initiation are higher among older, Caucasian, hypertensive, diabetic, and smoking veterans. The odds of statin prescription have increased over time with a higher proportion receiving high intensity statins more recently. These data reflect the VHA changes in clinical practice concordant with ACC/AHA guidelines.