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Heart Health
Are statins enough? When to consider PCSK9 inhibitors

- By Alyson Kelley-Hedgepeth, MD, Contributor
For well over 30 years, physicians have understood the role of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad”) cholesterol in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). LDL cholesterol levels are directly correlated with increasing CVD risk and, as summarized in a recent blog post, lowering LDL cholesterol levels, through both lifestyle changes and medications, has been shown to reduce this risk.
Statins are the first-line choice of medications for lowering LDL cholesterol. They are widely prescribed for both primary prevention (reducing CVD risk in patients without known CVD) and secondary prevention (preventing subsequent heart attacks, strokes, and other CVD events in patients with established CVD).
How do PCSK9 inhibitors work?
In 2003, researchers found a genetic mutation that caused some people to develop very high LDL cholesterol levels and CVD at a young age. This laid the groundwork for understanding the PCSK9 pathway, and ultimately the medications now known as PCSK9 inhibitors.
Our liver makes PCSK9 protein, and this protein breaks down LDL receptors, which remove LDL cholesterol from our bloodstream. So the more PCSK9 protein in our bodies, the fewer LDL receptors in our liver, and the higher our LDL cholesterol levels. PCSK9 inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that block the PCSK9 protein from working. As a result, levels of LDL receptors increase, and LDL cholesterol levels fall. PCSK9 inhibitors work via a pathway different from statin medications, and may be used together.
The FDA approved two PCSK9 inhibitors in 2015: alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha). These drugs must be given by injection, typically every two to four weeks.
Who could benefit from PCSK9 inhibitors?
The most recent cholesterol treatment guidelines, a collaborative effort from multiple professional organizations including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, were updated in 2018. These guidelines were broadened from the previous version to include LDL treatment targets, which has prompted doctors to think about adding PCSK9 inhibitors to treat select patients. In the 2018 guidelines, high-risk patients are defined as those with known CVD or with elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. For high-risk individuals, the guidelines recommend an LDL cholesterol target of less than 70 mg/dl. This cholesterol goal can usually be achieved on a high-dose statin. But what happens if your LDL cholesterol level remains elevated?
Initial studies (FOURIER using evolocumab and ODYSSEY using alirocumab) compared these medications against placebo in patients with known atherosclerotic disease; an LDL cholesterol level above goal; and some, but not all, patients on a statin. In both trials, PCSK9 inhibitors compared against placebo demonstrated average LDL cholesterol reduction of 60%, with a favorable safety profile and robust reductions in CVD events.
A 2019 study published in JAMA Cardiology asked the question: does adding a PCSK9 inhibitor to a statin, in patients with stable CVD and LDL cholesterol levels above goal (greater than 70 mg/dl), prevent future CVD events? For this study, patients fitting this profile were randomized to receive either the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab or a placebo. All patients in the study continued to take their statin medication. Researchers looked at the occurrence of CVD events (heart attack, stroke, or hospitalization for heart-related reasons) during the average two-year follow-up period. They found a significant reduction in cardiac events in patients receiving the PCSK9 inhibitor plus a statin, compared to study subjects taking statin plus a placebo.
Side effects and cost of PCSK9 inhibitors
PCSK9 inhibitors are usually well tolerated. Some people experience flulike symptoms with fatigue, feeling cold, and back pain. Muscle aches and pains have also been reported. The most common side effect is pain at the injection site.
The cost of PCSK9 inhibitors has dramatically decreased from their initial pricing of around $14,000 per year. Prescription coverage has also broadened to include these medications, but restrictions still apply based on individual plans.
In summary
Over the past few years, the FDA has expanded its approval of PCSK9 inhibitors to include a larger group of people with elevated LDL cholesterol levels who are at high risk for CVD events. If your LDL cholesterol remains elevated, talk to your doctor about available treatment options.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Comments
I Tried 5 different Statins and was Allergic to all 5.
Lots heart Palpitstions
Then along came REPATHA. MY Doctor ordered it for me to try. Been taking it every 2 weeks by injection.
It is Rx that you bring home. One can take prefilled syringe and get in thigh or upper arms. My friend gives it to me every 2 weeks. BLOOD TESTS SHOWS IT REALLY
WORKS REAL GOOD LOWERING MY LDL. NOT SURE HOW MUCH LONGER I NEED TO USE IT..BUT HAPPY IT WORKS WELL FOR ME.
Due to all my allergies, including stations, I have been on Amgens Repatha, a PSK9 inhibitor, for well over 4 years. Within 6 weeks my total cholesterol went from 288 to 140. It has been in the range of 105 to 150 ever since. I had a cardiac catheterization a couple years ago and only had mild plaquing. I had expected stents but none were needed. I just need to find a Medicare plan that covers it before the end of the year.
We have been told again and again that “lowering LDL cholesterol levels … has been shown to reduce [cardiovascular disease} risk.” That all sounds good, but what about overall mortality/mobility risks. What if lowering LDL cholesterol levels actually turns out to increase such risks?
This blog is very much informative. nice.
Commenting has been closed for this post.
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Managing Your Cholesterol
Managing Your Cholesterol offers up-to-date information to help you or a loved one keep cholesterol in check. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. It covers cholesterol tests and the genetics of cholesterol. The report also focuses on treatments based on the latest scientific evidence, including the pros and cons of statins and other medications, and provides the lowdown on other substances advertised to lower cholesterol. Managing Your Cholesterol can also help you work with your doctor to individualize your treatment.
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