Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Abstract
ASCVD is the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease and the main cause of morbidity and mortality for Veterans in the VA healthcare system. Management of cholesterol is one of the most effective approaches for reducing CV disease, however, over two-thirds of Veterans with ASCVD are not optimally managed. Veterans with ASCVD are at high risk for recurrent CV events and can benefit greatly from more effective management of their low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol. The reasons for the current undertreatment of dyslipidemia in Veterans with ASCVD are multifaceted, including factors such as low disease awareness among the patients, patient’s preference, statin intolerance, and poor adherence to medications.

Purpose:
VALOR-QI is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) with the goal of positively impacting Veterans’ cardiovascular health.

Method:
This project targets at risk veterans over 18 years of age, with ASCVD and LDL-C ≥70 mg/dl or non-HDL-C ≥100 mg/dl identified across 50 VA medical centers nationwide. As part of the program, VA sites work with an AHA QI Consultant to develop and deploy a local quality improvement plan to help overcome site specific barriers preventing Veterans from achieving optimal cholesterol levels. Health coaches at these centers aid in lipid optimization through patient counseling, medication adherence support, appointment reminders, and referrals to a nutritionist or clinical pharmacist as required.

The plan’s effectiveness will be assessed by tracking LDL-C goal achievement rates, LDL-C changes with therapy use, and veteran demographics. Our primary endpoints are for over 30% of veterans to reach the LDL-C target and a significant drop (around 10%) from baseline in veterans with ASCVD and LDL-C not at target. Best practices are shared among sites using the PDSA implementation science model.

Results:
As of May 2024, 182 patients at the Hines VA are engaged in the project. Among them, 84.8% are on lipid-lowering therapy, 83.1% are on statins (with 57.9% on a high intensity dose), and 11.3% are on dual therapy with a statin plus an additional medication (PCSK9 inhibitor or ezetimibe). So far, 59.5% of enrolled patients reached their LDL-C cholesterol target of <70 mg/dl.

Conclusion:
Lipid lowering strategies with collaboration of patients, network providers, dieticians and health coaches improved lipid control in veterans with ASCVD.