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Predictors of Statin Adherence

  • Lipid Abnormalities and Cardiovascular Prevention (Michael H. Davidson, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Statin therapy plays a central role in decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. However, prescribed statins are only effective if they are taken by patients on a regular basis, known as medication adherence. The factors that influence patient adherence to statin therapy can be categorized into patient factors, physician factors, and health system factors, often with interactions between the categories. Patient factors include demographics, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and side effects. Physician factors include the physician’s own adherence to applying guideline recommendations, office visits, and their interactions with patients. Health system factors include issues such as cost and access to care. Physicians should be aware of the various elements that may influence a patient’s likelihood to take statin medications to improve adherence and provide the best possible patient outcomes.

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Abbreviations

IDEAL:

Incremental Decrease in End Points Through Aggressive Lipid Lowering

MIRACL:

Myocardial Ischemia Reduction with Aggressive Cholesterol Lowering

NCEP ATP III:

National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III

NHANES:

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PREMIER:

Prospective Registry Evaluating Outcomes After Myocardial Infarction: Events and Recovery

PROVE-IT-TIMI 22:

Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy—Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 22

TNT:

Treating to New Targets

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Disclosure

Conflicts of interest: A. Mauskop: none; W.B. Borden: was a consultant for Kowa Company, Ltd.

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Correspondence to William B. Borden.

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Mauskop, A., Borden, W.B. Predictors of Statin Adherence. Curr Cardiol Rep 13, 553–558 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-011-0221-2

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