BACKGROUND

Strong evidence exists to support the use of statins, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) in patients at high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events; however, current practice pattern data indicate that a significant care gap exists between evidence and practice.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the reduction in CV events that may be obtained with the optimal use of vascular protection therapy in Canadians at high risk of cardiovascular events.

METHODS

Canadian Community Health Survey data from 2003 were used to estimate the prevalence of heart disease and/or diabetes, which were applied to an age-specific population in Canada to calculate the total number of high-risk patients. The number of events over 10 years was estimated using a state transition model, published risk equations, practice pattern data from Canadian registries and published therapy efficacy from clinical trials.

RESULTS

Among 2.2 million high-risk Canadians, current care with statin, ASA and ACEI therapy has reduced the estimated occurrence of CV events over the next 10 years by approximately 400,000 from 1.01 million. Universal use of combination statin, ASA and ACEI therapy for high-risk patients, compared with current care, would prevent as many as 143,000 more CV events over the next 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Great advances in the management of CV disease have been made; however, CV disease remains a substantial burden to patients and to the Canadian health care system. Canadian physicians have the opportunity to further reduce this burden through optimal management of high-risk patients based on clinical guidelines.