Cardiology Today's top articles from the NLA Scientific Sessions

The National Lipid Association Annual Scientific Sessions featured intensive sessions on major topics in lipid research and the future of health care. Cardiology Today has compiled a list of the top studies, presentations and abstracts presented at the meeting this year.

This year’s highlights include a subanalysis from the FOURIER trial, recommendations on PCSK9 inhibitors, therapeutic approaches for familial chylomicronemia and much more.

FOURIER: Evolocumab reduces CV events regardless of baseline LDL, statin intensity

PHILADELPHIA — A subanalysis of the FOURIER trial presented at the National Lipid Association Scientific Sessions found that evolocumab was linked to reduction in CV events regardless of a patient’s LDL or intensity of statin therapy at baseline.

PCSK9 inhibitors recommended by NLA for certain patient groups

PHILADELPHIA — A National Lipid Association expert panel presented updated recommendations for the use of PCSK9 antibody therapy, endorsing the agents’ use in certain patients with atherosclerotic CVD, familial hypercholesterolemia and other conditions.

The recommendations are an update to the 2015 National Lipid Association Recommendations for the Patient-Centered Management of Dyslipidemia: Part 2.

New therapeutic approaches for familial chylomicronemia syndrome in development

PHILADELPHIA — A number of new therapeutic approaches, including new classes of drugs and lipoprotein lipase replacement, may change the treatment approach for patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome, a speaker said here.

Some diabetes drugs reduce CV risks, but clinical judgment required

PHILADELPHIA — Clinical trials support that certain glucose-lowering agents for diabetes reduce the risk for CVD. However, clinical judgment is imperative toward navigating the different agents, according to a presentation.

CAC score helps calculate more accurate atherosclerotic CVD risk

PHILADELPHIA — Coronary artery calcium scoring leads to an improved determination of CHD and atherosclerotic CVD risk, a Cardiology Today Next Gen Innovator said here.

PCSK9 inhibition reduces LDL in patients on top of other therapies

PHILADELPHIA — In a real-world cohort of patients on maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapies, PCSK9 inhibitors lowered LDL by 26% to 52%, according to a poster presented.

Both approved PCSK9 inhibitors were associated with reduction in LDL and 10-year CVD risk.

LDL lowering more robust in men vs. women in concomitant PCSK9 inhibitor, statin therapy

PHILADELPHIA — In a small cohort of patients taking PSCK9 inhibitors, men had a lower reduction in LDL than women among those also on statin therapy, researchers reported.

The sex differences persisted regardless of baseline LDL, but they were only observed in patients on concomitant statin therapy.

Performance of CETP inhibitors vexing

PHILADELPHIA — While cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitors raise HDL and some lower LDL, they have so far not shown any impact on CV outcomes and their future is unclear, an expert said here.

Evidence varies for nonstatin lipid-lowering therapies

PHILADELPHIA — The current evidence for PCSK9 inhibitors reducing CV events in high-risk patients is strong, but other questions surrounding nonstatin lipid-lowering therapies remain unanswered.

Personalized medicine may help patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

PHILADELPHIA — Genomics, proteomics and imaging may enable a personalized medicine strategy for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, a prominent genetics researcher said during a presentation.