SAT-266 The Veteran Affairs Lipid Optimization Reimagined Quality Improvement Program (VALOR-QI) As A Model For Lipid Management Among US Veterans With Prevalent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)

Abstract Disclosure: M. Fathima: None. J. Gilden: Novartis Pharmaceuticals. A. Khan: None. E. Noel: None. A. Moid: None. V. Trendafilova: None. Introduction: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among veterans in the Veteran Affairs (VA) health system. Veterans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are at higher risk for cardiovascular (CV) complications. Management of cholesterol is an effective approach to reduce CV disease. However, over two-thirds of Veterans are not optimally managed. Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center is one of 50 VA sites participating in a national quality improvement initiative called the VALOR-QI: VA Lipid Optimization Reimagined Quality Improvement Project. VALOR-QI is a collaborative project between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) with the goal of positively impacting Veterans’ cardiovascular (CV) health. 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. Methodology: The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center identified 1,000 Veterans who met inclusion criteria) age >18 years with ASCVD, LDL-C ≥70 mg/dl or non-HDL-C ≥100 mg/dL. Veterans with a cardiovascular (CV) event within three months were excluded. Veterans and providers’ barriers were addressed by raising awareness of cholesterol management via presentations and educational handouts. The program implemented monthly check-ins with a health coach for over eight months, transitioning to every six months or as needed. Interactions focused on patients understanding risk factors for heart attack and stroke, health literacy, and team-based care. Patients deficient in their health goals received monthly education and heart-health handouts from the health coach. Additional services such as diabetes education, the MOVE program, nutritionists, smoking cessation programs, community care, and caregiver support were also suggested. Results: Direct health coach interaction occurred about 555 times from November 2023-April 2025. Out of 175 high-risk veterans enrolled, 118 had the diagnosis of DM (27 type 1: 88 type 2: 3 preDM). Of the patients with DM who completed 6 months, 25% met lipid goals of ≤ 70 mg/dL). The program also decisively improved healthcare providers understanding of ASCVD treatment guidelines, highlighting the need for LDL-C lowering targets for high-risk veterans. Conclusion: Veterans with DM and ASCVD at high risk for current CV events can benefit from this program through effective management of their LDL-C. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025