Heart disease is still one of the biggest causes of death around the world. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and long-term disability. One major reason heart disease happens is the buildup of fatty material inside blood vessels.
This buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart and brain. To prevent these problems, doctors often prescribe statin drugs, which lower a type of cholesterol called LDL, sometimes known as “bad” cholesterol.
More than 200 million people worldwide take statins to protect their heart health, and many studies have shown that these medicines can reduce the risk of serious events.
Even so, many people are unsure about taking statins, especially if they feel healthy. A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine looked at why patients hesitate. Researchers surveyed adults aged 40 to 75 in the United States and Japan who had never used statins before.
They asked how much benefit the drug would need to provide before the person would be willing to take a pill every day. The results showed that many people expect far more protection than the medicine can realistically offer.
Statins work by blocking a process in the liver that produces cholesterol. When cholesterol levels fall, less fatty material builds up in the arteries, and existing deposits may become more stable. This lowers the chance that a plaque will break open and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Medical guidelines in many countries recommend statins for people whose risk of heart disease over the next ten years is above a certain level, even if they have no symptoms. However, these guidelines are often based on scientific data and expert opinion rather than on what patients personally feel is worthwhile.
The survey found that even when people were told that statins can lower heart disease risk by about one quarter, many still did not want to take them. When the chance of developing heart disease within ten years was around 10 percent, about four out of ten people in both countries said they would still refuse the medication.
At lower risk levels, refusal was even more common. Some participants said they would only consider taking statins if the drugs could cut their risk by half or more, which is much greater than what statins typically achieve.
Researchers used a concept called the smallest worthwhile difference, which means the minimum amount of benefit a person believes is worth the effort, cost, and possible side effects of treatment.
They discovered a large gap between patient expectations and medical recommendations. Many people wanted a much bigger reduction in risk before they would agree to daily treatment, especially if they felt well and had no symptoms.
There are several reasons why people may hesitate. Some worry about side effects, such as muscle pain or liver problems, even though serious reactions are uncommon. Others dislike the idea of taking medicine for many years.
Some may not fully understand how risk works, since preventing a problem that has not yet happened can feel less urgent than treating an illness that already exists. Cultural differences and trust in the medical system may also influence decisions.
The findings suggest that doctors need to communicate more clearly with patients about what statins can and cannot do.
Shared decision-making, where patients and doctors discuss risks and benefits together, may help people feel more comfortable with treatment choices. It may also help patients set realistic expectations instead of hoping for near-total protection.
In reviewing the study, it appears that the most important message is not that statins are ineffective, but that patient beliefs strongly shape medical decisions. The research highlights the need to include patient preferences when creating health guidelines.
However, the study relied on survey responses rather than real-life behavior, so actual decisions might differ when people face a true medical risk. In addition, understanding of risk varies widely, and some participants may have misunderstood the numbers presented.
Overall, the study shows that improving communication between doctors and patients could increase the use of treatments that prevent heart disease.
It also reminds us that successful healthcare depends not only on effective medicines but also on trust, understanding, and personal values. When patients feel informed and involved, they are more likely to choose options that protect their long-term health.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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