CDC Report: Nearly Half of Eligible US Adults Miss Cholesterol Medication

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that more than a third of American adults are eligible for cholesterol-lowering medications under current guidelines or were already using them, yet nearly half of those eligible are not taking the medication.

The findings were published in the December 4, 2015, issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The research analyzed data from 2005 through 2012 to determine the prevalence of treatment eligibility and the actual use of cholesterol-lowering medications among adults in the United States.

The Impact of LDL Cholesterol

The CDC report emphasizes that high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as LDL-C or bad cholesterol, remain a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This condition occurs when cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels, which can lead to the formation of blood clots and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

While the data from 2005 to 2012 showed a general decline in high cholesterol levels for both total and LDL cholesterol, the researchers identified a significant gap between those who meet the medical criteria for treatment and those who actually receive it.

Disparities in Medication Use

The CDC’s analysis highlighted that the failure to take recommended cholesterol-lowering medications is not evenly distributed across all demographic groups. The agency noted that Black and Mexican American adults were less likely to be taking the recommended medications compared to other groups.

These disparities suggest that barriers to accessing care or differences in treatment adherence may play a role in why a substantial portion of the eligible population remains untreated despite established medical guidelines.

Clinical Context and Guidelines

Cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, are typically prescribed based on a combination of a patient’s LDL-C levels and their overall risk profile for cardiovascular disease. Guidelines consider factors such as age, blood pressure and the presence of other health conditions like diabetes to determine if a patient should begin medication.

The CDC report underscores the importance of identifying eligible individuals and ensuring they have access to the necessary pharmacologic interventions to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events.

By identifying the gap in treatment, public health officials aim to improve screening and prescription rates, particularly among populations that are currently underserved or under-treated.