The statin gap: Survey reveals many Americans are unaware of life-saving cholesterol alternatives
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Posted By: How May I Help You NC on February 06, 2026 Key takeaways: • An Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center survey shows 61% of Americans don’t know there are other medicines besides statins to help lower cholesterol. • Other survey results show many haven’t heard about an inherited cholesterol called lipoprotein(a) or a test called coronary artery calcium score, which can show early signs of heart disease. • It’s important to get your cholesterol and heart numbers checked, even if you feel fine, because you could be at risk for heart problems without knowing it. COLUMBUS, Ohio – Unhealthy cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When lifestyle changes like diet and exercise aren’t enough to lower cholesterol, medications can help. A new national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center shows that while most Americans have heard of statins – the most common medicine used to lower cholesterol – many do not know there are non-statin medications. “Statins often get a bad reputation, but the evidence consistently shows they are highly effective and remain the cornerstone of cholesterol treatment and lowering heart disease risk. At the same time, we now have non statin medication options that can also help lower LDL – the ‘bad’ cholesterol – for patients who need alternative therapies,” said Laxmi Mehta, MD, director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair for Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research. Ohio State’s nationwide survey of 1,006 Americans about cholesterol medications and screenings found: • 60% have heard of statins • 61% didn’t know non-statin medicines exist • 44% believe statins are an effective and proven treatment for lowering cholesterol • 73% have never heard of lipoprotein(a), an inherited type of cholesterol that can’t be lowered by usual medication or lifestyle changes • 67% didn’t know about the coronary artery calcium score (CAC), a scan that shows early signs of heart disease. Turn the page: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pr... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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