Date: {{$ActivityAssignDate}}

Dear Dr. {{ $doctorName }},

Subject: A survey to understand the prescriBing pattErn in secondary prevention of AtheroscleroTic CardioVascular Diseases (BEAT CVD)

Dyslipidemia is characterized by an elevation of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or triglycerides (TG) and reduced serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and these parameters are routinely assessed for the purpose of estimating cardiovascular risk. The most commonly associated clinical consequence of dyslipidemia is increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Cardiovascular disease has become a growing burden across the globe and are highly prevalent, especially in the developing countries that alone account for 80% of the global CVD mortality.

The prevalence of dyslipidemia varies geographically; although, it has been estimated that more than 50% of the adult population has dyslipidemia worldwide. India has seen a rapid increase in the prevalence of CVDs, accounting for around 24% of all deaths, aged 25–69 years.

Statins are first-line therapy and are the most common cholesterol-lowering drugs used. They act by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Statins have a limited ability to impact the levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and conditional coronary heart disease risk factors such as C-reactive protein and lipoprotein A. This provides a rationale to consider the addition of other lipid- modifying agents in the treatment of patients with complex dyslipidemia and/or at high risk for coronary heart disease.

Antiplatelet medications remain a cornerstone of therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (secondary prevention), stable patients benefit from long‐term antiplatelet therapy.

This multicenter survey is planned to understand the prescribing pattern of statins and antiplatelet agents by health care providers in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

We invite you to participate in this survey. On acceptance, you will need to fill the survey questionnaire form provided.

We would encourage you to carefully fill all available information to the fullest in the questionnaire.

If you agree to participate in the said survey, we would request you to sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.