Researchers at the American Medical Association (AMA) have arrived at a new conclusion about the use of cholesterol-reducing drugs like Lipitor. JAMA Internal, a journal of the AMA, recently suggested increasing the number of adults between ages 66 and 75 who take medications to lower their cholesterol.
The pharmaceuticals, known as statins, have been proven to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke, leading to longer and healthier lives for those who take them. While in the past, prescriptions have sometimes been limited to adults who show significant risk of complications, the new recommendation says that all men and 97 percent of people of both genders should take statins after age 66, even if their cholesterol levels are normal.
"The guidelines are a significant change from prior guidelines that relied heavily on levels of bad cholesterol to determine who to treat," said Dr. Michael Miedema, a research cardiologist at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. "Instead, the new guidelines recommend focusing statin therapy on the individuals that are at the highest risk for heart attack and stroke, even if their cholesterol levels are within normal limits."
The authors of the study recommend cholesterol medication for anyone whose risk of heart disease or stroke amounts to more than 7.5 percent over the next ten years. After the age of 66, JAMA says, the vast majority of adults cross that threshold. Statistically, it might be highly unlikely for a cardiovascular event to occur, yet the study shows a regimen of statins can reduce the risk of future health problems. It is always a good idea to consult with your physician about new health treatments.
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