Statin medications are a safe, low-cost, and effective way to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
For patients with diabetes, doctors often recommend starting statins early.
However, nearly one in five patients delay treatment. A new study from researchers at Mass General Brigham shows that delaying statin therapy can increase the risk of serious heart problems.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that people with diabetes who began taking statins immediately had a one-third lower risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to those who postponed treatment.
“I see patients with diabetes regularly, and I recommend statins to everyone who qualifies,” said senior author Dr. Alexander Turchin from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Some people prefer to try lifestyle changes or other medications first, but nothing lowers cholesterol as well as statins. The sooner you start, the better for your heart and brain.”
Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of illness and death in people with diabetes. Statins help prevent these events by reducing the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, which can block the flow of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs.
The researchers used artificial intelligence tools to analyze health records from 7,239 patients with diabetes who eventually started taking statins over a 20-year period. The average patient was 55 years old. Just over half were women, and most had an HbA1c—a blood sugar level—of 6.9.
About 18% of the patients delayed starting statins even after their doctor recommended it. They began taking the medication later, after an average delay of 1.5 years. Among this group, 8.5% suffered a heart attack or stroke. In contrast, only 6.4% of patients who started statins right away had such events.
These findings highlight the importance of early intervention. “Doctors should talk to their patients about the increased risks of waiting to start statins,” said Turchin. “These conversations can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.”
While some patients may hesitate to start a new medication, the benefits of statins for heart health are clear—especially for people with diabetes. This study provides important evidence to help guide conversations between doctors and patients and encourage timely treatment.
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The study is published in Journal of the American Heart Association.
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