Higher coronary artery calcium scores were associated with increased statin compliance (27.4% for CAC=0 vs 58.8% for CAC≥400; P<0.001) and greater weight loss (19.8% vs 33.6%; P<0.001).
Cohort (n=2,608)
Do higher coronary artery calcium scores improve statin adherence and weight loss in patients undergoing cardiac computed tomography?
Higher coronary artery calcium scores are associated with increased self-reported statin adherence and measurable weight loss, suggesting a motivational effect of CAC scoring on lifestyle and medication compliance.
p-value: p=<0.001
AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effect on adherence to statin therapy and assess the effect of beneficial changes in behavior that resulted in weight loss in patients who underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring with cardiac computed tomography. BACKGROUND: Despite convincing data demonstrating the benefits of HmGCoA inhibitors for both primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, they remain underused. Also, despite convincing data demonstrating the benefits of weight loss for both primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, it remains difficult to motivate behavioral changes resulting in weight loss. In this study, we assess whether higher CAC scores are associated with increased compliance with statin medication and whether higher CAC scores are associated with beneficial lifestyle behaviors resulting in weight loss. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients that had undergone baseline CAC testing and returned for a follow-up scan. All patients had weight documented and were administered a questionnaire regarding compliance to medications. The primary endpoint was measurable weight loss between visit one and visit two and the self-reported compliance to statin use. RESULTS: The study population with data regarding statin compliance consisted of 2608 individuals (72% men, mean age 58±8 years) who were followed for a mean of 4.1±3.2 years after an initial CAC scan. Overall, statin compliance was lowest (27.4%) among those with CAC=0, and gradually increased with higher CAC scores (1-99, 39.2%; 100-399, 53.6%; ≥400, 58.8%; P<0.001 for trend). In the group analyzed for weight loss the study population consisted of 1078 individuals (68% men, mean age 60±8 years) who were followed for a mean of 4.1±3.2 years after an initial CAC scan. CONCLUSION: Overall, behavioral modification resulting in weight loss was lowest (19.8%) among those with CAC=0, and gradually increased with higher CAC scores (1-99, 23.4%; 100-399, 30.8%; ≥400, 33.6%; P<0.001 for trend). In addition to being a robust risk stratification tool, a higher rate of adherences with statin therapy was observed in patients with higher CAC scores.
Kalia et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in Patients undergoing coronary artery calcium scoring (n=2,608). Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring vs. CAC=0 was evaluated on Measurable weight loss and self-reported compliance to statin use (p=<0.001). Higher coronary artery calcium scores were associated with increased statin compliance (27.4% for CAC=0 vs 58.8% for CAC≥400; P<0.001) and greater weight loss (19.8% vs 33.6%; P<0.001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: