Utilizing existing test results to improve primary prevention in patients with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis: The USE-IT study

The systematic referral of patients with incidentally detected subclinical coronary atherosclerosis to a specialized prevention clinic is an innovative strategy in Europe. The USE-IT study aims to assess its impact in terms of 12-month change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Prospective, non-randomized study ( N = 291). Patients were referred after incidental detection of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis through a clinically indicated cardiac/coronary computed tomography (CT) (29%), invasive coronary angiography (24%), or chest CT (44%). Cardiovascular risk-reduction interventions were implemented following relevant guidelines. Mean age was 66 years, 43% women. The prevalence of traditional risk factors was high, 38% of the patients had atherosclerosis in ≥3 coronary arteries, 33% had at least one stenosis ≥50% and 60% had an elevated CAC score (≥300 UA). Mean baseline LDL-C levels were 108 mg/dL (SD 37), 16% had LDL-C