A comprehensive guidelines-based approach reduces cardiovascular risk in everyday practice: the VARO study
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of study was to investigate the possibility of cardiovascular risk improvement through systematic identification of high-risk individuals and treatment in accordance with current guidelines using modern therapy in daily clinical practice. Material and methods: Two hundred and sixty-three physicians participated in the study.
The physicians were asked to screen for cardiovascular risk factors in patients presenting with unrelated problems and to re-evaluate the attainment of treatment goals in those with already known risk factors. Each physician enrolled up to 20 consecutive patients with hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia.
A total of 3015 patients were included. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using the SCORE system.
Risk factors were treated in accordance with current national guidelines. The therapy of hyperlipidemia and hypertension was preferentially based on rosuvastatin, amlodipine and valsartan.
Further medication was at the discretion of the attending physician. Patients were examined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months.