IMPLEMENTATION of THE AMERICAN COLLEGE of CARDIOLOGY and AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES for STATIN THERAPY in REDUCING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Author

Edward Eloy Iruegas, University of the Incarnate WordFollow

Date of Degree

5-2025

Document Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program

Nursing

Advisor

Michael D. Moon PhD, MSN, APRN, CNS-CC, CEN, FAEN

Abstract

The incidence of type 2 diabetes has significantly increased over the past decade, making it a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (Banach et al., 2022). Individuals with type 2 diabetes are four times more likely to develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, accounting for up to a 75% mortality rate. Despite this, the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains underestimated and undertreated in this population (Banach et al., 2022). The purpose of this project was to enhance adherence to the American College of Cardiology 2019 and the American Diabetes Association 2023 clinical practice guidelines regarding statin therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes with an elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. All staff and providers were educated on the project. Patients’ risks were assessed using the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score calculator in conjunction with a medication reconciliation assessment. Risk scores were documented in the charts. Providers ensured patients were taking the recommended statin or were prescribed a statin based on their risk scores. Results showed that 100% of staff and providers attended the project in-service. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores were documented on 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes, and 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes not previously on statins were prescribed appropriate statin therapy. Use of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk calculator helps providers identify patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk for cardiovascular events. Implementing clinical practice guideline directed statin therapy can significantly reduce mortality and long-term cardiovascular complications in this population.

Recommended Citation

Iruegas, Edward Eloy, "IMPLEMENTATION of THE AMERICAN COLLEGE of CARDIOLOGY and AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES for STATIN THERAPY in REDUCING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice. 124.
https://athenaeum.uiw.edu/uiw_dnp/124