About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Lack of Guidance & Fear of Side Effects Cause Statin Non-compliance

by Ramya Rachamanti on March 29, 2019 at 8:07 PM
Font : A-A+

Lack of Guidance & Fear of Side Effects Cause Statin Non-compliance

Many patients who could benefit from statins were not using them. More than half of the patients report that they were never offered statins and the fear of side effects is one of the reason for stopping them, according to new research in the Journal of American Heart Association.

National guidelines indicates that statins can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol). Because statins are proven effective and have a low risk of side effects, guidelines from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology recommend doctors use an atherosclerotic and cardiovascular disease risk calculator to give a detailed assessment of a person's 10-year risk for heart disease and to help create a personalized plan.

Advertisement


"We need to focus our efforts on improving how doctors identify patients who need to be on a statin, and how they present information to patients to ensure that no one is missing the opportunity to improve their heart health," said Corey Bradley, M.D., lead author of the study and a researcher at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina.

To find out whether eligible patients use statins, and why they sometimes decline or discontinue the drugs, researchers surveyed 5,693 adults (average age 68) who participated in a registry for those receiving medical care at a cardiology, primary care, or endocrinology practice.
Advertisement

Researchers found:

  • Of the 1,511 (26.5 percent) who were not currently taking statins, 59.2 percent reported that they had never been offered them
  • .
  • Patients were more likely to report never being offered a statin if they were female (22 percent higher than others), black (48 percent higher than others), or without insurance (38 percent higher than others)
  • .
  • Patients seen in cardiology practices were more likely to be offered a statin than those in primary care
  • .
  • "It is possible that some people did not remember being offered a statin, so we may have over-estimated the percent who were never offered one. However, we believe that if the patient did not remember the conversation, the discussion likely was not an effective one," Bradley said
  • .

    Of the patients who declined (10.1 percent) or discontinued (30.7 percent) statins, the most common reasons given were a fear of side effects and perceived side effects. Compared with statin users, non-users were less likely to believe statins are safe.

    "Although there are risks associated with statins, the public fear of side effects is out of proportion to the actual risks," said Ann Marie Navar, M.D., Ph.D., senior author of the study and assistant professor of Medicine at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. "Misconceptions about statins are everywhere and are fueled by false information on the internet. We need better tools to help combat this type of misinformation."

    Despite their concerns, in the survey 59.7 percent of patients who discontinued a statin would consider retrying it.

    "Physicians should not hesitate to re-approach the conversation about starting or re-trying statin therapy in patients who could benefit but are currently not on the therapy," Bradley said.



    Source: Eurekalert
    Advertisement

    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    Recommended Readings

    Latest Research News

    Softening Stem Cells Enhances Hair Growth Potential
    The scientists discovered that when the stem cells in the hair follicle are made softer, they have a higher chance of growing hair.
    Potential New Strategy for Ischemic Stroke Discovered
    A combinatorial therapy provided promising beneficial results among people with ischemic stroke.
    Is Speech Therapy the Answer to Voice Problems in Parkinson's Disease Patients
    In Parkinson's disease patients voice disorders are quite common. A new combination therapy had greater effects on the voice.
     New Insights into How the Immune System Responds to Spinal-Cord Injuries
    New study findings delineate how aging affects the immune response following Spinal cord injury (SCI) and highlight the participation of the spinal cord meninges in repair.
    Nearsightedness: Atropine Eye Drops may Slow Progression in Kids
    A recent clinical trial suggests that the first medication therapy to reduce the progression of nearsightedness in children could be on the way.
    View All
    This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
    ×

    Lack of Guidance & Fear of Side Effects Cause Statin Non-compliance Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

    Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

    You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

    Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

    Name *

    Email Address *

    Country *

    Areas of Interests