Despite high rates of awareness, statin use was low across the board. Just over half (52% ) of patients with definite/probable FH were using a statin. The rate of statin use was even lower in patients with severe dyslipidemia, at only 38%. High-intensity statin use also dwindled in both dyslipidemia and FH patient groups (37% and 30%, respectively).
Rates of cholesterol screening, awareness, and lipid-lowering medication were particularly low in younger patients, uninsured patients, and patients without a usual source of care. Among young patients (20-39 years), 62% reported cholesterol screening in the past 5 years and 64% reported being aware of having hypercholesterolemia. Of this group, 13% were on a statin. Uninsured adults fared only slightly better, with nearly a third (29%) undergoing a recent screening and using a statin.
Limitations to the analysis include the self-reported information on cholesterol screening, awareness, treatment rates, and the lack of information concerning statin dosages.
In light of the results of this study, Dr. Bucholz emphasized that statin use among underserved patient groups without access to care needs to be a priority.