Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. it accounts for more than 1 in every 4 deaths. Efforts to prevent cardiovascular heart disease has included the use of statin medications. They reduce bad cholesterol and lower inflammation in the vascular system.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force met this year to make recommendations about the use of these medication for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Primary prevention means that the person has no history of a heart attack, a stroke, or other forms of vascular disease, and they have no signs or symptoms of heart disease. The medicine is designed to prevent that from happening.
The results of their analysis was reported in JAMA in August 2022. The task force recommends statin medication for adults age 40 to 75 without a history of cardiovascular disease and who have one or more risk factors (i.e., abnormal cholesterol levels, diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking) and an estimated 10% or greater risk of having a cardiovascular event over the next 10 years.
If someone has all of the factors described except for only a 7.5 to 10% risk, the evidence is not as strong. The decision to take a statin should be individualized based upon patient preference after a discussion with their doctor.
There is not enough evidence to make any recommendation for people age 76 or older. This should also be an individualized decision.
The task force also pointed out additional risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. As we get older, our risk increases, and age is the highest risk factor.
Men have more cardiovascular disease than women, and men develop it at a younger age. Black Americans have the highest rate, but have the lowest use of statins. Hispanics also have a low rate of taking statins.
To learn more about statins go to: https:// cdc.gov/cholesterol/treating_cholesterol.htm
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