High cholesterol is a leading cause of death worldwide, and despite the availability of effective treatments like statins, many eligible patients are not taking them. According to a new study led by Johns Hopkins University, closing this gap could prevent nearly 100,000 non-fatal heart attacks in the US annually.
The study found that among adults aged 40-75 with high cholesterol, only 47% were eligible for statins under US guidelines but only 23% were taking them. This means that around 24 million Americans are not receiving the treatment they need to prevent cardiovascular events.
Researchers estimate that by closing this gap, nearly 100,000 non-fatal heart attacks and up to 65,000 strokes can be prevented each year in the US. Additionally, prevention could save $30.6 billion in overall medical costs.
The study’s findings are concerning given the rising mortality rates related to heart failure, arrhythmia, and hypertensive heart disease. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events, and lowering LDL levels can help prevent future life-threatening events.
Experts say that better patient education on the benefits of treatment and improved screening for high cholesterol could help bridge the gap in treatment. It is essential to raise any health concerns with your doctor, who can help determine next steps, including potential treatment options.
The American Heart Association reports that someone dies from heart disease every 34 seconds in the US, with over 2,500 people dying daily from this cause. By taking cholesterol-lowering drugs if eligible and addressing the shortcomings in care for common chronic diseases like high cholesterol, significant public health benefits can be achieved.
Source: https://bestlifeonline.com/statins-can-prevent-heart-attacks