Registry of lipid control and the use of lipid-lowering drugs for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established atherosclerotic disease in Taiwan: Rationality and methods

Background: Dyslipidemia is an important but modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no nationwide registry has been designed so far to document the inter-relationship between long-term clinical outcomes and the lipid control, and the use of lipid-lowering agents for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established CVD in a large representative sample of public and private hospitals in Taiwan. Methods: In this registry-type prospective observational study, we sought to record information with regard to the secondary prevention of patients with stable symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, classified by the presence of one of the following conditions: evidence of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral vascular disease, focusing on lipid management, and long-term outcomes. The data on customary Taiwanese clinical practice applied to outpatients will be collected from 14 centers across Taiwan, including public and private hospitals, and will be clinically followed for 5 years after their inclusion. Results: The analysis of this multicenter registry will demonstrate the treatment patterns, goal attainment, factors influencing treatment, and the clinical outcomes among patients suffering from CVD in Taiwan. Conclusions: The registry may increase our understanding of the prevalence and consequences of atherothrombosis on a nationwide basis. In addition to academic interests, the results may have impact on future clinical practice pattern and national policy on lipid management in Taiwan.