J Am Heart Assoc. 2026 Mar 10:e041416. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.125.041416. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) poses a significant health challenge worldwide. While statins effectively reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lower cardiovascular risk, patients with coronary artery disease who undergo revascularization remain vulnerable to recurrent ASCVD events. This study examined the link between statin intensity, LDL cholesterol levels, and recurrent ASCVD events in patients undergoing coronary interventions within a large health care system.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center database, including patients aged ≥18 with coronary artery disease confirmed by revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous coronary intervention) since January 2010. Patients were categorized by statin intensity: guideline-directed statin intensity (GDSI), less than GDSI (
RESULTS: Of 45 949 patients (69% men), 65% were on GDSI, 25% on
CONCLUSIONS: GDSI reduces recurrent ASCVD events and mortality more effectively than less intensive regimens or no statins. Optimizing statin use and LDL cholesterol monitoring could improve ASCVD management and outcomes.
PMID:41804923 | DOI:10.1161/JAHA.125.041416