Statin Use in Atlantic Canada

Report by Vanessa DeClercq and Scott A. Grandy

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High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol represent a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1]. Thus, decreasing LDL cholesterol levels is a key factor in reducing CVD mortality [2]. The drug class statins has proven to be a very effective therapy for reducing LDL-cholesterol levels. Statins also have been shown to reduce inflammation, which plays a prominent role in the development of CVD [2-4]. Based on these therapeutic effects Canadian guidelines now recommend that 1 in 4 Canadians take statins to reduce high LDL cholesterol to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes [2, 5]. However, a recent report suggests that only 1 in10 Canadians are taking statin drugs [6]. Therefore, the aim of this brief report was to identify the number of Atlantic Canadians with CVD risk factors taking statins and compare this to the Canadian guidelines and the national average for statin usage.