Optimizing Statin Use at the Population Level: What Is the Best Approach?

In a simulation study, improving patient adherence produced better outcomes than lowering the treatment threshold.

The benefits of statin therapy in patients at risk for coronary disease is unquestioned. However, many patients who would benefit from statin use are not taking them. Expanding statin use could be achieved in two ways: (1) lowering the treatment threshold, or (2) improving adherence. To compare how implementing these strategies would alter the population-level benefit of statin therapy, Shroufi and Powles used data from the prospective Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, involving 41,141 participants, to conduct a simulation study.

In the U.K., the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that adults with a 20% or greater 10-year risk for heart disease should receive statin therapy. For the model based on a l…

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Optimizing Statin Use at the Population Level: What Is the Best Approach?

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Reviewing Author