New Study Reveals Cholesterol Medications Widely Underused Despite Life-Saving Potential

A recent study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights a troubling trend: many Americans eligible for cholesterol-lowering medications aren't taking them, even though these treatments are proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In today’s Health Minute, Mandy Gaither spoke with Dr. Caleb Alexander, the study’s lead author, who analyzed data from 5,000 U.S. adults. The results show that only about 23% of patients without a history of major cardiovascular events—but eligible for medication—were actually taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. Among those who had already experienced such an event, only about 68% were on treatment.

These medications include widely known statins, which have been on the market for years and are considered safe and effective. Newer treatments are also available. Despite their benefits, Dr. Alexander says numerous factors are contributing to the gap in usage: lack of diagnosis due to missed checkups, cost concerns, skepticism about the need for medication, and trouble remembering to take them consistently.

“Every year, about 805,000 Americans have a heart attack, and more than 795,000 experience a stroke,” says Alexander. “Tens of thousands of these could be prevented if people were receiving the appropriate treatment based on current guidelines.”

Experts are urging the public to prioritize regular health screenings and speak with their doctors about cholesterol levels and potential treatment plans.

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