Current Use of Statins for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Patient-Reported Outcomes and Adherence

Recent updates in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment and management guidelines have expanded the global number of statin-indicated persons, prompting clinicians to rethink conversations about initiating new statin therapy. The benefits of statins in primary prevention of ASCVD are less convincing than in secondary prevention, although higher ASCVD risk is associated with greater statin benefit. Therefore, clinicians must engage patients in a shared decision about starting new statin therapy, which should involve discussion about the risks and benefits of therapy, patient perceptions, and health status. Research has identified nonadherence to statin therapy as a factor associated with reduced clinical benefits of statin therapy. Clinicians should be aware of patient-specific factors associated with nonadherence and implement strategies to improve adherence as indicated. Data on the impact of adherence improvement strategies and the accuracy of how we currently measure adherence are lacking. Additionally, research focusing on patient preferences and reported outcomes would greatly inform practice and improve clinician–patient relationships.