Experts' Perspectives on the Current Practices and Gaps in the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report from The United Arab Emirates

Background: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be as high as 72.5%. Patients with dyslipidemia usually present with other metabolic risk factors, increasing their risk of acute cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Despite these alarming findings, local data regarding management practices in the UAE are lacking. The current report gathered the perspectives of experts from the UAE regarding the burden and current practices in managing dyslipidemia, as well as the current unmet needs and treatment gaps. Methods: The present perspective is based on a consensus meeting that gathered the insights of six consultant cardiologists. All experts were affiliated with academic institutions representing the UAE's different geographical areas. Findings and Conclusion: Data regarding the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the UAE and its associated ethnic differences are lacking. It is suggested that there needs to be more adherence to international recommendations for screening lipid profiles in primary care centers, which may lead to underestimating the burden of dyslipidemia. As CVD presents at a younger age in the UAE, screening for lipid profile at 35 is recommended, regardless of CVD risk. The panel emphasized that most dyslipidemia patients in the UAE are categorized as high or very high-risk groups for CVD; however, current risk assessment tools have not been validated in the UAE population and may not be tailored to the Middle Eastern and Asian populations. International guidelines have recommended the high-intensity statins-ezetimibe combination for high and very high-risk patients; the experts stated that the high-intensity statins-ezetimibe combination could be initiated in high-risk groups in the UAE. Several barriers to effectively controlling dyslipidemia in the UAE have been identified, including non-adherence, limited awareness about screening and management recommendations, and physician inertia toward achieving the recommended therapeutic goals.