Cholesterol Self-testing in Patients Post Acute Coronary Syndrome

Overview

The pharmacological reduction of LDL-C lowers cardiovascular risk and is therefore a priority in cardiovascular secondary prevention. The achievement of LDL-C target levels in Germany, Europe, and worldwide is inadequate, despite a wide array of lipid-lowering medications. Only a small proportion of post-myocardial infarction patients reach their LDL-C target range within a year. There is a significant need for new strategies to improve LDL-C target achievement and thereby reduce the occurrence of secondary cardiovascular events. The aim of the study is to establish a basis for improving prevention by achieving the target LDL level effectively and quickly in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk profiles.

In this randomized study, the investigators aim to investigate whether additional self-monitoring of cholesterol values by patients leads to more effective LDL reduction and quicker achievement of the target LDL range versus usual care. This study systematically and prospectively examines the benefits of self-monitoring and control of cholesterol levels for the first time. The patients in the intervention arm will receive a device for self-measurement of cholesterol values and will be trained in its use. These patients will independently measure their cholesterol levels monthly using capillary blood tests and report the results to the study physicians, who will then adjust the therapy accordingly. The control arm is treated according to local standards, which includes control of the cholesterol values twice a year at the visit in out-patient clinic. Patients in both study arms will be followed up for at least 12 months.