survey of Jordanian physicians' management of dyslipidemia in patients with cardiovascular disease and diabetes

ABSTRACT

screening and treatment dyslipidemia are a pivotal component in managing patients with coronary artery disease. To study the attitude of jordanian physicians toward their approach in evaluating dyslipidemia, a group of physicians were asked to answer a questionnaire. of the 311 responders; 49% were residents and general practitioners, and 51% were internists or subspecialists. The participants worked either in a private clinic [27%] or in a hospital [73%]. Of the responders, only 10% would start screening adults for dyslipidemia at the age of 20 [NCEP recommendation]. Optimal cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels were considered to be <200 and <150 mg/dl respectively by 75% and 36% of the physicians. Low HDL-C was defined as any level <40 mg/dl by 48% only. Eighty percent and 72% agreed that the target LDL-C in cad and diabetic patients should be 100 mg/dl. Reduction of cardiac mortality and morbidity by lipid lowering was thought to be a correct statement by 96%.statins were thought to have rare side effects that are not of concern to the majority of the patients by 86%, while 80% noted that the most important factor that may limit prescription of statins was the high price of statins. Measuring serum lipoproteins during admission for acute coronary syndrome [ACS] was a common practice by 78% but 58% discharge >50% of their ACS patients on statins. more efforts are needed to facilitate guidelines application and integration into daily practice