Study of Lipid-Modifying Therapy Use and Risk Factor Management in Patients With Dyslipidemia in Duhok City/Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Introduction Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally, according to the World Health Organization. Research from the Middle East indicates that cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the region are among the highest worldwide. Multiple risk factors contribute to ASCVD. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often associated with hyperlipidemia, plays a pivotal role. The reduction of LDL cholesterol through statins has been extensively studied over the years and has demonstrated a significant decrease in rates of cardiovascular disease, particularly in high- and very high-risk groups. Study design This cross-sectional study enrolled 503 adult patients undergoing lipid-lowering therapy for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD at the Azadi General & Teaching Hospital in Duhok City, Iraq. Data were collected from January 2, 2023, to October 31, 2023. The sample size was carefully determined to ensure a precise estimation of the primary outcome measure. Results Of the 503 patients aged 21-89 years, 315 (62.2%) were women. Among the 145 (28.8%) with ASCVD, 127 (87.5%) had coronary artery disease. Only 150 (29.8%) were on a high-intensity statin, compared to 293 (58.25%) on a moderate-intensity statin. In total, 155 (30.8%) attained LDL-C control (p<0.0001). Among the 207 with very high cardiovascular disease risk, only 10 (4.83%) achieved an LDL-C level below 55 mg/dl. Conclusion This study revealed inadequate management of LDL-C levels across various participant categories, particularly those classified as having high cardiovascular disease risk. Control of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome) was overall very poor. Most participants were overweight or obese.