The CEPHEUS research is the first of its kind and the largest study on cholesterol management conducted in the Gulf countries which cover more than 5,000 patients. CEPHEUS looked at the treatment situation for high cholesterol in high-risk individuals, trying to establish the percentage of patients who achieve target cholesterol goals based on American Guidelines (NCEP ATP). It also aimed to identify and understand physician and patient characteristics that may influence or contribute to the treatment situation.
Despite the wide use of anti-cholesterol drugs such as statin therapy, the study reveals that almost 50 percent of the patients in the Gulf are not reaching their cholesterol treatment goals set by international guidelines.
“The CEPHEUS study provides vital insights on the communication barriers between doctors and patients, and the significant impact this has on treatment goals. Patients at very high risk should be treated intensively by physicians as they are more likely to be at risk of cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack. The study emphases that compliance has a strong correlation to achieving bad cholesterol goals, or LDL Cholesterol, which can become harmful to a person when above certain levels, it is therefore crucial that patients remain compliant to their treatment diligently,” Dr Haitham Amin, Head of Cardiac Unit, Mohammed Bin Khalifa Cardiac Center at Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services, said.
Currently, patients are not scheduling regular check-ups with their physician and many fail to see the necessity of visiting their doctor. Patients who suffer from high cholesterol should change their lifestyle routines, especially if they smoke, or do not follow a healthy diet.
“We face one of the hardest challenges in the healthcare industry – trying to change people’s behaviour – to benefit their health. At AstraZeneca, we play a significant role in empowering patients with information, support and the treatment required to allow them to live longer, healthier lives – because we know that health connects us all,” Dr Wael Fahmy, Medical Director, AstraZeneca Gulf, said.