Stronger Statins First for Heart Health

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine are recommending that patients at risk for heart disease start with stronger cholesterol-lowering medications, known as statins. Their advice, published in Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, highlights drugs like rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, which research shows are more effective at lowering “bad” cholesterol and reducing heart attacks and strokes.

Many adults already face high risks, especially those with “metabolic syndrome,” a group of health problems which includes high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar. Nearly 40% of U.S. adults have this condition, yet only about one in five meet daily exercise recommendations.

Doctors often start patients on low-dose statins, but most people never move up to stronger doses, even if they need them. FAU experts say starting with the most effective dose — and lowering it if needed — may help save more lives.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, senior author of the paper and interim chair of the Department of Population Health. “By using the right medications from the start, we can prevent more heart attacks and strokes before they happen."

Read the press release.