ASSESSMENT OF FEASIBILITY OF DYSLIPIDEMIA CLINICS ANDIMPLEMENTATION ATHEROSCLEROSIS PROJECT IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Introduction. Established in 2021, the Lipid Clinic Network of Kazakhstan is dedicated to creating a global framework for consistent standards in diagnosing, managing, and treating lipid disorders, guided by the European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society (further - ESC/EAS) Guidelines on dyslipidaemia management. The aim is to evaluate pillars for LCN in Kazakhstan and assess the feasibility of dyslipidemia clinics and implementation atherosclerosis project in Kazakhstan. Materials and methods. This is a cross-sectional survey with 8 questions to explore the organization of a lipid clinic network in Kazakhstan. 28 clinics took part and respondents were anonymous. The questionnaire was based on EAS LCN evaluation. Results. 54 % of dyslipidemia clinics are located in outpatient department and 11% of clinics are located as a subdepartment within a cardiology department or similar in the hospital. 71% of clinics (20) show connections to hospital departments including diabetes, endocrinology and rare disease units. The staff composition of LCN Kazakhstan is: physicians - 26, nurses - 20, geneticist expert in dyslipidemias’ - 1, dietitian – 4, nutritionist - 0. A majority of clinics (53.60%) are situated in outpatient departments, highlighting a prevalent reliance on outpatient care for lipid-related services. The physician and nurse staffing levels align with LCN-EAS standards, the lack of nutritionists, geneticists, and dietitians represents a significant gap in the multidisciplinary care model advocated by the EAS. Capacity to provide therapeutic education on lifestyle changes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, and adherence to treatment is present in 16 clinics. Conclusion. Some criteria of LCN Kazakhstan are aligned with EAS LCN requirements in terms of data management, location, facility and the, management of the interaction with the patients. However, composition of staff, clinical trial management and connection within the health service infrastructure and patient referral need to be enhanced.