A STUDY TO ASSESS THE STATIN THERAPY ADHERENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON LIPID PROFILE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN PATIENTS WITH DYSLIPIDEMIA

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Statins are the first-line pharmacological agents used for lipid lowering and cardiovascular risk reduction. However, the effectiveness of statin therapy largely depends on patient adherence to medication. Poor adherence can lead to inadequate lipid control and increased cardiovascular risk. Therefore, assessing medication adherence and its impact on lipid profile and cardiovascular risk is essential in clinical practice.Objectives:The study aimed to evaluate medication adherence to statin therapy and to assess its impact on lipid profile parameters and cardiovascular risk among patients with dyslipidemia.A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital involving 100 patients diagnosed with dyslipidemia and receiving statin therapy. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and statin dose were collected using a structured data collection form. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and patients were categorized into high, medium, and low adherence groups. Lipid profile parameters (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG), were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Cardiovascular risk was evaluated using ASCVD risk score and Framingham risk score. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.The majority of patients were middle-aged and elderly, with a higher proportion of males. A significant number of patients had comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Atorvastatin 40 mg was the most commonly prescribed dose. Based on MMAS-8 scoring, patients were categorized into high, medium, and low adherence groups. A progressive improvement in lipid profile parameters was observed over the study period, with reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and TG, along with a modest increase in HDL-C levels. Patients with higher adherence demonstrated better lipid control compared to those with lower adherence. In addition, cardiovascular risk assessment showed a gradual shift from higher risk categories to lower risk categories based on ASCVD and Framingham scores during follow-up.The study demonstrates that medication adherence plays a critical role in achieving optimal lipid control and reducing cardiovascular risk among patients receiving statin therapy. Higher adherence is associated with better improvement in lipid parameters. These findings highlight the importance of improving patient awareness, adherence monitoring, and regular follow-up to enhance the effectiveness of statin therapy and reduce cardiovascular complications.