Dyslipidemia in primary care patients – Treatment and control (LANTERN study) Algarve

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in Portugal. Dyslipidemia, particularly elevated LDL-C, is a key modifiable risk factor. European guidelines recommend LDL-C targets based on cardiovascular (CV) risk, yet treatment gaps persist. This study aimed to evaluate LDL-C control and management in primary care patients with dyslipidemia in the Algarve, according to the 2019/2021 ESC/EAS guidelines. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic health records from nine Family Health Units in the Algarve. Adults aged ≥40 years with a diagnosis of dyslipidemia (ICPC-2 code T93) were included. CV risk was assessed using SCORE2/OP for patients in primary prevention; LDL-C levels and treatment strategies were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 2904 patients (mean age 66.4 years; 54.5% female), 79% were classified as being high or very high risk. Only 15.7% achieved LDL-C targets. Among high/very high-risk patients, 88% were above recommended LDL-C thresholds. 29.9% of patients received no pharmacological treatment, and 47% were on low/moderate-intensity statins. High-intensity statins alone or in combination therapy were used in only 14.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: LDL-C target achievement remains suboptimal in Portuguese primary care, particularly in high-risk patients. The underuse of intensive treatment highlights opportunities for improving CV prevention, especially through updated risk assessment tools like SCORE2/OP.