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Background: The ODYSSEY CHOICE I study (NCT01926782) evaluated alirocumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) in patients with hypercholesterolemia receiving maximally tolerated statin or no statin., Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between alirocumab, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations with the CHOICE I alirocumab dosing regimen., Methods: This analysis included 803 patients (547 statin-treated, 256 without statin) who were randomized to alirocumab 300 mg Q4W, alirocumab 75 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), or placebo. 300 mg Q4W and 75 mg Q2W doses were adjusted to 150 mg Q2W at Week 12 if Week 8 LDL-C was >70 or >100 mg/dL, depending on cardiovascular risk, or if LDL-C reduction was <30% from baseline., Results: Most patients remained on 300 mg Q4W without dose adjustment as they achieved study-defined LDL-C goals at Week 8 (statin-treated: 80.7%; no statin: 85.3%). LDL-C was reduced by 60.5%-71.9% over Weeks 20-24 in patients on 300 mg Q4W and 57.2%-63.0% in patients with dose adjustment from 300 mg Q4W to 150 mg Q2W. Statin-treated patients had higher cardiovascular risk as well as higher free PCSK9 and lower alirocumab concentrations (vs no statin), suggesting increased target-mediated clearance. Regardless of statin status, the most common adverse events in alirocumab-treated patients were injection-site reaction and headache., Conclusions: Data provide further insight on alirocumab's mode of action in terms of relationship between alirocumab, PCSK9, and LDL-C, and disease severity, and support the use of alirocumab 300 mg Q4W as an efficacious dosing regimen for clinically meaningful LDL-C reductions., (Copyright © 2020 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Alirocumab is a monoclonal antibody to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)., Objective: Changes in PCSK9, alirocumab, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were assessed after treatment with alirocumab at doses of 75 or 150 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W)., Methods: Data were analyzed from 4 phase 3 trials (MONO; COMBO II; FH I; LONG TERM); all but MONO enrolled patients on statins. Three trials evaluated alirocumab 75 mg Q2W, with possible dose increase to 150 mg Q2W at week 12 based on week 8 LDL-C; LONG TERM studied alirocumab 150 mg Q2W., Results: Patients on background statin therapy had higher mean baseline free PCSK9 concentrations vs patients not on statin. After alirocumab administration, increased alirocumab concentrations were associated with dramatic reductions in circulating free PCSK9, resulting in significant LDL-C reductions and a corresponding increase in inactive PCSK9:alirocumab complex. Alirocumab dose increase was associated with a further lowering of PCSK9 and LDL-C. Patients with higher baseline LDL-C levels (>160 mg/dL) were more likely to have their dose increased. LDL-C reductions with alirocumab were consistent between patients with baseline PCSK9 levels above or below the median when the dose increase strategy was used. When started as alirocumab 150 mg Q2W, patients with PCSK9 levels above vs below the median had a greater LDL-C reduction., Conclusions: Alirocumab-induced changes in PCSK9 and LDL-C levels were consistent with the known physiologic relationship between PCSK9, LDL receptor, and LDL-C levels, as well as statin-induced increases in PCSK9 production., (Copyright © 2019 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Age, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease., Objective: We examined whether the effects of alirocumab on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) differed according to age, hypertension, or smoking status., Methods: Data were pooled from 10 Phase 3 ODYSSEY randomized trials (24-104 weeks' duration) in 4983 people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) or non-familial hypercholesterolemia (3188 on alirocumab, 1795 on control [620 on ezetimibe and 1175 on placebo]). Most participants received concomitant maximum tolerated statin therapy. In 8 trials, the alirocumab dose was increased from 75 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) to 150 mg Q2W at Week 12 if predefined risk-based LDL-C goals were not achieved at Week 8 (≥70 mg/dL in very high cardiovascular risk; ≥100 mg/dL in moderate or high cardiovascular risk). Two trials compared alirocumab 150 mg Q2W vs placebo. The efficacy and safety of alirocumab were assessed post hoc in subgroups stratified by age (<65, ≥65 to <75, ≥75 years) and baseline hypertension or smoking status., Results: Alirocumab reduced LDL-C by 23.7% (75/150 mg vs ezetimibe + statin) to 65.4% (150 mg vs placebo + statin) from baseline to Week 24 vs control. Subgroup analyses confirmed no significant interactions in response to alirocumab between age group, hypertension, or smoking status. Overall rates of treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between alirocumab and control groups., Conclusions: In this pooled analysis from 10 trials, alirocumab led to substantial LDL-C reductions vs control in every age group and regardless of hypertension or smoking status. Alirocumab was well tolerated in all subgroups., (Copyright © 2019 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acquisition costs and cost-effectiveness have limited access and recommendations to use proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Recently, prices were reduced by 60% for alirocumab and evolocumab. This statement systematically reviewed subgroup analyses from statin and PCSK9 mAb trials to identify higher risk groups for which PCSK9 mAbs at the new price could be considered a reasonable (

This roundtable discussion on dietary fats was inspired by a recent Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association giving recommendations about dietary fats for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The Advisory clarifies a long-held position that saturated fat should be reduced in the American diet. New studies and meta-analyses have questioned the adverse role of saturated fat. The Advisory adds a crucial clarification based primarily on 4 randomized controlled diet trials, each conducted over 4 to 8 years during the 1960s extending to the 1970s. In each trial, saturated fat was reduced and replaced by vegetable oil rich in polyunsaturated fat (PUFA). Meta-analysis showed 29% reduction in major coronary events in the groups receiving PUFAs. Randomized clinical trials provide the best kind of evidence. Replacing saturated fat with PUFA reduces cardiovascular events. Replacing saturated fats with carbohydrates or trans fats does not reduce cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular risk reduction has also been seen in randomized trials with monounsaturated fat in the context of whole food diets, mostly plant based (Mediterranean diets). In this discussion, we additionally cover some of the roller-coaster history of recommendations concerning dietary fat and provide advice for practical counseling., (Copyright © 2018 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a well-known risk factor for the development of cardiovascular (CV) disease; yet, controversy persists whether it adds incremental prognostic value in patients with established CV disease., Objectives: This study was performed to determine if MS is associated with worse CV outcomes in patients with established CV disease treated intensively with statins., Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of the Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with Low HDL/High Triglycerides and Impact on Global Health Outcomes trial, in which patients with established CV disease and atherogenic dyslipidemia (n = 3414) were randomly assigned to receive extended release niacin or placebo during a mean 36-month follow-up, to assess whether the presence of MS or the number of MS components contributed to CV outcomes., Results: The composite primary end point of CV events occurred in 15.1% of patients without MS vs 13.8%, 16.9%, and 16.8% of patients with MS in the subsets with 3, 4, and 5 MS components, respectively (corresponding adjusted hazard ratios 0.9, 1.1, and 1.1 relative to patients without MS), P = .55. Comparing subgroups with 3 vs 4 or 5 MS components, there was no significant difference in either the composite primary end point or secondary end points. Patients with diabetes mellitus had higher event rates, with or without the presence of MS., Conclusions: The presence of MS was not associated with worse CV outcomes in the AIM-HIGH population. The rate of CV events in statin-treated Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with Low HDL/High Triglycerides and Impact on Global Health Outcomes patients with MS was not significantly influenced by the number of MS components., (Copyright © 2017 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved.)

Background: Nonadherence to cardiovascular medications, including daily, oral statin therapy, negatively impacts outcomes in patients requiring low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering therapy. The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab also reduces LDL-C, but has a different mode of administration (subcutaneous injection)., Objective: The objective of the study was to assess long-term adherence to alirocumab 75 or 150 mg, given every 2 weeks, in phase III trials of patients with sub-optimally controlled hypercholesterolemia., Methods: Data were pooled from 6 ODYSSEY trials (n = 4212) with double-blind treatment durations of 52 to 104 weeks. Adherence was reported as percentage of days receiving injections according to dosing schedule and categorized into 100% adherence, below-planned dosing, above-planned dosing, and both below- and above-planned dosing. Overall adherence was calculated as 100 - (percentage of days with below-planned dosing + percentage of days with above-planned dosing). Safety of alirocumab and effect on LDL-C levels were also evaluated., Results: Adherence was analyzed for 4197 patients (n = 2786 alirocumab; n = 1411 control). Mean overall adherence was high (alirocumab 98.0%; control 97.8%). Among patients receiving alirocumab, 45.7% were 100% adherent, 20.4% had below-planned dosing, 2.9% had above-planned dosing, and 31.1% had both below- and above-planned dosing. Mean percentage reduction in LDL-C (baseline to Week 52) was 45.8% to 61.9%, depending on alirocumab dose, and was comparable across adherence categories. Treatment-emergent adverse events leading to alirocumab discontinuation were infrequent and included myalgia and injection-site reactions (<1% each)., Conclusions: Alirocumab injections were associated with a high level of adherence over ≥1 year. Infrequent below- or above-planned dosing had minimal impact on LDL-C reductions., (Copyright © 2017 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The prognostic value of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels is unclear., Objectives: To determine the associations between red blood cell (RBC) PUFA levels and risk for death., Methods: This prospective cohort study included 6501 women aged 65 to 80 years who participated in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (enrolment began 1996). RBC PUFA levels were measured at baseline and expressed as a percent of total RBC PUFAs. PUFAs of primary interest were the n-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and their sum (the Omega-3 Index). PUFAs of secondary interest included the 2 major n-6 PUFAs, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, and the PUFA factor score (a calculated variable including 6 PUFAs that accounts for their intercorrelations). The primary outcome was total mortality through August 2014., Results: After a median of 14.9 years of follow-up, 1851 women (28.5%) had died. RBC levels of EPA and DHA were higher in the survivors (P < .002 for each). In the fully adjusted models, the hazard ratios (99% confidence intervals) for mortality associated with a 1 standard deviation PUFA increase for total mortality were 0.92 (0.85, 0.98) for the Omega-3 Index, 0.89 (0.82, 0.96) for EPA, 0.93 (0.87, 1.0) for DHA, and 0.76 (0.64, 0.90) for the PUFA factor score. There were no significant associations of alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid or linoleic acid with total mortality., Conclusions: Higher RBC levels of marine n-3 PUFAs were associated with reduced risk for all-cause mortality. These findings support the beneficial relationship between the Omega-3 Index and health outcomes., (Copyright © 2017 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Treatment response to lipid-lowering therapy can vary in patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to various patient demographic and baseline characteristics., Objective: This study assessed the relationships between baseline characteristics and changes in lipid variables, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and attainment of prespecified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels in MetS patients treated with ezetimibe/simvastatin and atorvastatin., Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, 6-week parallel study in >1000 hypercholesterolemic subjects (median age of 59 years) with MetS and moderately high/high coronary heart disease risk who were treated with ezetimibe/simvastatin (10/20 and 10/40 mg) or atorvastatin (10, 20, 40 mg). Factors that could affect these treatments were assessed by multivariate analysis., Results: Increasing age, abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 40/35 inches for men/women), and lower baseline hs-CRP were significant predictors of greater reductions in LDL-C, non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not for changes in HDL-C or apolipoprotein AI; effects of race and baseline triglycerides, non-HDL-C, LDL-C, or HDL-C levels were more limited. Age ≥ 65 years (versus <65 years) was also associated with significantly greater attainment of all LDL-C and non-HDL-C targets, whereas abdominal obesity, gender (female > male) and lower baseline LDL-C, non-HDL-C, triglycerides, and hs-CRP were associated with improved attainment for some of these targets. Blood pressure, fasting glucose, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance tertiles, and diabetes did not predict response for any efficacy variable. Ezetimibe/simvastatin treatment (versus atorvastatin) was a significant predictor for change in most efficacy variables., Conclusions: Treatment responses to ezetimibe/simvastatin and atorvastatin in at-risk patients with the MetS were related to age (≥ 65 years), abdominal obesity, and lower baseline hs-CRP. Ezetimibe/simvastatin treatment was found to be consistently more effective than atorvastatin at the specified dose comparisons across these subgroups. The clinical value of predictive factors requires further study in outcome trials., (Copyright © 2013 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Most incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs after patients reach the age of 65. The additive benefits of aggressive risk factor management with advancing age are not well established., Objective: To evaluate the relationship between control of four modifiable risk factors (smoking, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and aspirin use) and risk of CVD in a primary prevention population of older men., Materials and Methods: U.S. male physicians from the Physicians' Health Study (n = 4182; an epidemiologic follow-up of a randomized trial of aspirin and beta-carotene) who in 1997 were ≥ 65 years, free of CVD and diabetes, and had a blood sample on file were studied. Cox proportional hazard models were adjusted for age and competing causes of death. The first of any CVD event, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, angina, coronary revascularization, nonfatal stroke, transient ischemic attack, carotid artery surgery, and other peripheral vascular disease surgery, was measured., Results: Mean follow-up was 9.3 years, mean age was 73 years, and 96% were nonsmokers. Compared with when 4 of 4 risk factors were controlled (6.0% of participants), control of 0 of 4 risk factors almost quadrupled the risk of CVD (0.4% of participants; event rate 41.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 3.83, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.72-8.55); control of 1 of 4 risk factors more than doubled the risk (14.2% of participants; HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.80-3.57); control of 2 of 4 risk factors almost doubled the risk (43.8% of participants; HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.41-2.69), and those with control of 3 of 4 risk factors also were at increased risk (35.6% of participants; HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.30-2.50). Control of each additional risk factor was associated with greater cardiovascular protection (P for trend P = .002). Depending on the number of risk factors controlled, the number-needed to control to prevent one CVD event ranged from 5 to 22., Conclusion: Control of 4 treatable risk factors (nonsmoking, control of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure, and aspirin use) was associated with substantial protection against incident cardiovascular events in older men even after adjustment for competing causes of mortality., (Copyright © 2012 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD) are associated with increased coronary heart disease risk., Objective: To assess percent change from baseline in lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and the proportion of subjects reaching specified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) single, dual, and triple targets and hs-CRP <2 mg/L among subjects with and without AVD treated with ezetimibe/simvastatin or atorvastatin for 6 weeks., Methods: Adults (N = 1143) with MetS and hypercholesterolemia were randomized to starting and next higher doses of ezetimibe/simvastatin (10/20 or 10/40 mg) or atorvastatin (10, 20, or 40 mg)., Results: Ezetimibe/simvastatin produced significantly greater reductions in evaluated lipids than atorvastatin for most prespecified dose comparisons. More subjects without AVD achieved LDL-C levels <100 mg/dL, non-HDL-C levels <130 mg/dL, and dual LDL-C/non-HDL targets (83%-92% vs 62%-76%) and Apo B <90 mg/dL or triple targets (65%-75% vs 41%-49%) with 40 mg of atorvastatin or 10/20-40 mg of ezetimibe/simvastatin compared with 10 or 20 mg of atorvastatin, respectively. More subjects with AVD achieved LDL-C<70 mg/dL and non-HDL-C<100 mg/dL single and dual targets (65%-80%) and Apo B <80 mg/dL (53%-63%) with 10/20-40 mg of ezetimibe/simvastatin than with 40 mg of atorvastatin (40%-49%). More subjects achieved triple lipid targets with 10/20-40 mg of ezetimibe/simvastatin versus 10-40 mg of atorvastatin (50%-63% vs 24%-40%). Achievement of hs-CRP <2 mg/L was similar across all doses regardless of AVD status., Conclusions: More intensive therapy was required for >80% of subjects to achieve LDL-C <100 mg/dL and non-HDL-C <130 mg/dL and for the majority of subjects to achieve lower levels of LDL-C <70 mg/dL, non-HDL-C <100 mg/dL, and/or Apo B <90 mg/dL. The effect of ezetimibe on cardiovascular risk reduction has yet to be established. (Clintrials.gov no: NCT00409773)., (Copyright © 2011 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The familial hypercholesterolemias (FH) are a group of genetic defects resulting in severe elevations of blood cholesterol levels and increased risk of premature coronary heart disease. FH is among the most commonly occurring congenital metabolic disorders. FH is a treatable disease. Aggressive lipid lowering is necessary to achieve the target LDL cholesterol reduction of at least 50% or more. Even greater target LDL cholesterol reductions may be necessary for FH patients who have other CHD risk factors. Despite the prevalence of this disease and the availability of effective treatment options, FH is both underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly among children. Deficiencies in the diagnosis and treatment of FH indicate the need for greatly increased awareness and understanding of this disease, both on the part of the public and of healthcare practitioners. This document provides recommendations for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of FH in pediatric and adult patients developed by the National Lipid Association Expert Panel on Familial Hypercholesterolemia. This report goes beyond previously published guidelines by providing specific clinical guidance for the primary care clinician and lipid specialist with the goal of improving care of patients with FH and reducing their elevated risk for CHD., (Copyright © 2011 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The familial hypercholesterolemias (FH) are a group of genetic defects resulting in severe elevations of blood cholesterol levels and increased risk of premature coronary heart disease. FH is among the most commonly occurring congenital metabolic disorders. FH is a treatable disease. Aggressive lipid lowering is necessary to achieve the target LDL cholesterol reduction of at least 50% or more. Even greater target LDL cholesterol reductions may be necessary for FH patients who have other CHD risk factors. Despite the prevalence of this disease and the availability of effective treatment options, FH is both underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly among children. Deficiencies in the diagnosis and treatment of FH indicate the need for greatly increased awareness and understanding of this disease, both on the part of the public and of healthcare practitioners. This document provides recommendations for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of FH in pediatric and adult patients developed by the National Lipid Association Expert Panel on Familial Hypercholesterolemia. This report goes beyond previously published guidelines by providing specific clinical guidance for the primary care clinician and lipid specialist with the goal of improving care of patients with FH and reducing their elevated risk for CHD., (Copyright © 2011 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In 2010 a survey of the National Lipid Association (NLA) membership was developed and launched with the objective of exploring the demographics, practice patterns, and educational needs of the health professionals in our organization involved in the practice of clinical lipidology., Objectives: To report the results of this survey and use this information to enable the organization to better serve the needs of our membership., Methods: A 30-question survey was administered to the NLA membership before and shortly after the Annual Scientific Sessions in May, 2010. Demographic information, test ordering patterns, educational needs and resources, and technology awareness of 640 valid respondents was assessed., Results: The respondents represent a balanced mix of practitioners in rural and metropolitan population centers throughout the United States. Physicians represent 67%, nurse practitioners and physician assistants 16%, and pharmacists 8% of the respondents. Among physicians, 50% are internal medicine or family medicine specialists, 32% cardiologists, and 11% endocrinologists. Most working in lipid clinics reported that their clinic was financially solvent. The respondents believed that adjunctive lipoprotein testing was clinically useful in risk prediction. The greatest educational needs included statin intolerance; strategies for improving compliance; metabolic syndrome; and lipoprotein particle and apolipoprotein B concentration. The most important sources of lipid information were the Journal of Clinical Lipidology and the NLA Annual Scientific Sessions., Conclusions: The survey provided valuable information that may be used to better serve the practice and educational needs of the membership of the NLA., (Copyright © 2011 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Statins are the evidence-based drugs of choice for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD)., Objective: Statin use has increased in those ≥ 65 years, but patterns of use in subgroups of elderly are unknown., Methods: Weighted data from the 2001 through 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were combined for this analysis., Results: Statin use increased in all sex, age, and risk categories between the 2001-2002 and 2005-2006 surveys, when the greatest use was by men 65 to 74 years of age with CVD (80%), followed by women with CVD who were 65-79 of age (64%-69%), women and men with diabetes who were 65-69 years of age (56% and 94%, respectively); statins were used by <42% of patients without CVD or diabetes. In adjusted logistic regression models, those with diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 1.8-2.6), CVD but no diabetes (OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.5-3.6), and CVD and diabetes (OR 5.2, 95% CI 3.9-7.1) were more likely to use statins than those without CVD or diabetes (P ≤ .001). A significant interaction between age and sex was found, where 75- to 79-year-old women were more likely to report statin use than men 65-69 years of age (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.29-3.35). In general, those ages 65-69 years were more likely to use a statin than those ≥ 70 years (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-1.08, P = .08). Nonwhite persons aged ≥ 70 years reported less statin use than whites aged 65-69 (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.10-0.30). Mexican-American subjects were less likely to report statin use than whites., Conclusions: Although statin use has increased substantially over time, statins remain underused in both the primary and secondary prevention of CVD in the elderly, with some evidence of disparities by sex, advancing age, and race/ethnicity., (Copyright © 2010 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Women's long-term patterns of evidence-based preventive medication utilization following a coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosis have not been sufficiently studied., Methods: Postmenopausal women 50-79 years were eligible for randomization in the Women's Health Initiative's (WHI) hormone trials if they met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were >80% adherent during a placebo-lead-in period and in the dietary modification trial if they were willing to follow a 20% fat diet. Those with adjudicated myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization after the baseline visit were included in the analysis (n=2627). Baseline visits occurred between 1993 and 1998, then annually until the trials ended in 2002 through 2005; medication inventories were obtained at baseline and years 1, 3, 6 and 9., Results: Utilization at the first WHI visit following a CHD diagnosis increased over time for statins (49% to 72%; p<0.0001), beta-blockers (49% to 62%; p=0.003), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs ) [26 to 43%; p<0.0001]. Aspirin use remained stable at 76% (p=0.09). Once women reported using a statin, aspirin, or beta-blocker, 84-89% reported use at 1 or more subsequent visits, with slightly lower rates for ACEI/ARBS (76%). Statin, aspirin, beta-blocker, or ACEI/ARB use was reported at 2 or more consecutive visits by 57%, 66%, 48%, and 28% respectively. These drugs were initiated or resumed at a later visit by 24%, 17%, 15%, and 17%, respectively, and were never used during the period of follow-up by 19%, 10%, 33%, and 49% respectively., Conclusions: Efforts to improve secondary prevention medication utilization should target both drug initiation and restarting drugs in patients who have discontinued them.