Knowledge and attitudes towards hypertriglyceridaemia and associated residual risk amongst cardiologists in Turkey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an important component of residual risk. The knowledge regarding its treatment might not be at a desired level which might prevent patients from receiving the maximum benefit. We aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Turkish cardiologists who responded to a survey regarding HTG treatment. METHODS: A multiple-choice survey was conducted to analyze Turkish cardiologists' management of HTG. The questionnaire was submitted by the Turkish Society of Cardiology to all its members. RESULTS: A total of 160 cardiologists responded to the survey. The mean age was 37.5±8.5 years, and 35 (21.9%) of the participants were female. Most of the participants (88%) thought HTG was a risk factor, and 75% of them felt confident in diagnosing and treating HTG. Patient compliance (41%), polypharmacy (33%), and lack of treatment options (15%) were the most common problems obstructing treatment of HTG. A proportion of 96% of the participants knew about non-highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, which is a good surrogate marker of atherogenic dyslipidemia; however, only 39% were using it as a treatment goal. In the case of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at goal but with HTG (residual risk), the first choice for treatment was fibrates (94%). Half of cardiologists had never used omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment option. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the participating cardiologists felt competent treating HTG, there was a knowledge gap in the treatment of atherogenic dyslipidemia and management of residual risk. Evidence of the benefit of lowering triglycerides from cardiovascular outcome trials is eagerly awaited. There is also an unmet need of increasing patient compliance and managing polypharmacy.