Highlights from Selected Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Studies Presented at the 2019 European Society of Cardiology Congress

Purpose of Review: This review intends to highlight selected cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention studies presented at the 2019 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress. Recent Findings: Results from the Inclisiran for Subjects with ASCVD or ASCVD-risk Equivalent and Elevated Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (ORION-11) trial validate inclisiran’s ability to significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in at-risk individuals on a background of maximally tolerated statin therapy. The EVOlocumab for Early Reduction of LDL-cholesterol Levels in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes (EVOPACS) trial provide additional support that a PCSK9 inhibitor can be initiated safely and effectively early after an acute coronary syndrome. A sub-study of the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab (ODYSSEY OUTCOMES) trial provides further support for stratification of secondary prevention patients to help define the magnitude of risk reduction associated with PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. A post hoc analysis from the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial suggest that any benefits associated with aspirin utilizing a risk-based approach are overwhelmed by increased bleeding risk. In a large retrospective cohort study of patients with diabetes mellitus and obesity, the addition of metabolic (weight loss) surgery to standard care led to greater improvement in CVD outcomes, weight loss, and glycemic control. Results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study demonstrate that while hypertension and dyslipidemia exert additive lifelong effects on CVD risk, other less established risk factors such as low education, household pollution, and poor diet also have a strong impact on CVD outcomes, especially in middle- and low-income countries. Finally, in the Heart Outcomes Prevention and Evaluation (HOPE) 4 trial, a comprehensive model of care adapted to address multiple barriers of specific communities led to substantial improved blood pressure (BP) control, medication use, and adherence. Summary: A number of studies presented at the 2019 ESC Congress reinforced the value of preventative interventions in CVD risk reduction.