Why Cholesterol Is Back in the Health Spotlight

Recent scientific discoveries and the implementation of digital tools in Brazilian clinics have placed cholesterol at the center of medical discussions. A South Korean study showed that more aggressive LDL targets reduce severe events, while national research demonstrated that support applications increase the likelihood of achieving recommended targets.

Lower LDL Targets Reduce Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

A trial conducted at Yonsei University College of Medicine in South Korea compared two LDL cholesterol targets: less than 55 mg/dL and less than 70 mg/dL. After three years, the group with a target below 55 mg/dL showed 6.6% composite cardiovascular events, compared to 9.7% in the other group, representing a 33% reduction in risk.

App Usage Improves LDL Control in Brazil

In the SAPPHIRE-LDL study, published in JAMA Cardiology, 1,465 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were followed for six months. In services that adopted the digital strategy, the chance of achieving the LDL target was 86% higher than in centers with usual care.

How Technology Aids Medical Decision-Making

The epScience platform enables rapid LDL measurement from a drop of blood, sending the result to the physician during the consultation. The system suggests treatment adjustments, such as combining statin with ezetimibe, and records prescriptions. After the consultation, the epYou app sends reminders, educational content, and facilitates telemedicine communication.

Challenges in Achieving LDL Below 50 mg/dL

Even with the digital strategy, 76.5% of patients did not achieve LDL below 50 mg/dL after six months, indicating that statins and ezetimibe might be insufficient for such rigorous targets. More potent medications, such as PCSK9 inhibitors, have high costs and limited access.

Residual Risk Despite Low LDL

Experts point out that although LDL is an important marker, apolipoprotein B and triglycerides also influence cardiovascular risk. The combination of statins with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been suggested as an additional strategy to reduce events in high-risk patients.

With information from Terra, Jornal O Sul, Tribuna de Jundiaí.