A Look Into the Future of LDL-C Management Post ACS

As the discussion turns to the future of lipid management, the importance of outcomes data, such as the anticipated results of the ORION-4 trial, is highlighted. While lipid-lowering therapies, particularly PCSK9 inhibitors, have demonstrated their ability to reduce cardiovascular events, health systems are waiting for long-term evidence to understand how these treatments will impact patient outcomes. This data will be crucial in securing broader acceptance and integration of these therapies into routine care, particularly as health care systems demand both clinical and economic validation before making widespread changes.

Looking 5 years ahead, the panel envisions 2 main areas of progress: more targeted primary prevention and improved adherence in secondary prevention. There is a growing emphasis on personalized approaches, using advanced tools like coronary calcium scoring to identify individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis. In addition, broader population-based prevention is a key focus, with hopes for more effective trial designs that will demonstrate the long-term benefits of early intervention. A shift toward treating higher-risk individuals more aggressively is also expected, especially among those with a history of cardiovascular events.

The conversation concludes with optimism for the future. With advancements in therapy, more robust clinical evidence, and evolving health care models, there is potential to make significant strides in lipid management. A focus on prevention, along with better risk stratification and health system alignment, could lead to a health care environment where proactive care is prioritized, ensuring that patients receive the best possible outcomes while reducing the long-term costs associated with cardiovascular disease.