Only 35% of Adults Eligible for Statins Are Taking Them

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer

Key Takeaways

• Statins are a safe and effective medication to lower cholesterol and protect against heart attacks and strokes, but research shows that only 35% of adults who are eligible for statins are actually taking them.

• Experts say there’s much misinformation surrounding statins.

• If you have high cholesterol or are at risk of developing heart disease, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether statins are right for you.
  

Statins are a class of medications that can lower cholesterol and protect against heart attacks and strokes, but a new study found that only 35% of adults who are eligible for the drugs are actually taking them.

Jeremy Pollock, MD, FACC, a board-certified cardiologist at UM St. Joseph Medical Center, said the reasons for underusage are multifaceted, but one of the biggest is likely the misinformation surrounding statins.

“The thought of going on statins can be intimidating to patients, who may fear what the side-effects might be based on what they’ve heard or seen online, though they have proven safe and effective over decades, with minimal or no long-term side effects,” Pollock told Verywell.

Anecdotally, he said one in three patients, if not more, have “perceived intolerances” and won’t consider using statins, even when prescribed by their physician. This mindset can prevent people from taking a simple and effective treatment that may prove life-saving by significantly reducing their risk of heart attack or stroke, he said.

“That’s why a frank conversation with your doctor—who can answer your concerns and tailor your treatment to your needs—is vital,” Pollock added.

Another reason for hesitation from patients may be that high cholesterol is an invisible health issue that doesn’t cause symptoms, according to Bradley Serwer, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and the chief medical officer at VitalSolution, a company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide.

“An elevated level of cholesterol does not make you feel bad and taking the medications does not make you feel any better,” Serwer told Verywell. “It may be hard to see a tangible benefit, especially in people that have never had a cardiac event. It’s often not a priority until after a significant heart attack or stroke has occurred.”

Related: Statins Can Cut Colorectal Cancer Risk in Ulcerative Colitis Patients, Study Finds

How Safe Are Statins?

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved statins in 1987, there have been countless studies reaffirming the substantial benefits of the medications, Serwer said.

“Despite this overwhelming data, people are often hesitant to take medications to lower their cholesterol,” he added. “There are many obstacles which include lack of information, misinformation, cost, and side effects.”

Most people can tolerate statins well, though some may experience digestive problems, headaches, and dizziness.

In 2012, the FDA updated statin drug labels to include warnings about memory loss and confusion. However, these side effects are reversible, and the label change was based on low-quality studies that provided insufficient evidence. A 2013 review of 27 studies found no link between statin use and memory loss, but it actually showed some evidence that long-term statin use may prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Related: Do Statins Really Cause Memory Loss?

Who Should Take Statins?

According to Pollock, statins are prescribed based on a patient’s risk score from the American College of Cardiology’s Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) calculator, which predicts the likelihood of having a stroke or heart attack over the next 10 years.

This scoring takes into consideration age, gender, blood pressure measurements, cholesterol levels, smoking history, and presence of diabetes.

Statins are also recommended for adults aged 40 to 75 without a history of heart disease who have one or more heart disease risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia.

But Serwer said the first-line therapy should always be lifestyle and dietary modifications. People should avoid smoking, foods with saturated fat, and should exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.

“However, when these measures fail and people develop underlying atherosclerotic heart disease or cerebrovascular disease, we should be aggressive in treating their elevated cholesterol levels in order to prevent adverse outcomes such as heart attacks and strokes,” Serwer said.

To increase usage of statins, Pollock said changing the perception of the drug is key. Clinical trials have proven statins to be safe and effective for long-term use. Beyond lowering cholesterol, they can also prevent or delay the clogging of arteries and reduce inflammation.

“When you think of statins as a preventive ‘vitamin’ for your cardiovascular health—with little or no side effects—you’re more likely to opt in and make them a part of your daily heart care routine,” he said.

Read Next: This New Drug Lowers Cholesterol Without the Side Effects of Statins

What This Means For You

If you’re eligible for statins but you have concerns about taking them, have an honest conversation with your healthcare provider and ask any questions you may have to ensure you make an informed decision.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.