European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society Task Force consensus statement on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors: practical guidance for use in patients at very high cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) underlies the thrombotic events intimately associated with myocardial infarction, a significant proportion of ischaemic strokes, as well as critical limb ischaemia. Such events confer substantial mortality, physical and/or mental disability, and cost for the individual and society.¹ Indeed, no finite value can be attributed to the cost to the individual, although survival and subsequent quality of life are critical factors, especially in young individuals with ASCVD.² Although the advent of precision medicine and innovative treatments have been the driver for an individualized approach to patient management and prevention, the ever-increasing financial restraints in healthcare systems worldwide often require clinical benefit to be balanced with the cost of a given intervention.