Statins play a critical role in reducing the risk of heart disease. Not only are the benefits greatly appreciated by both physicians and patients, the majority of statins are also well tolerated. Despite this, many patients discontinue statin therapy against medical advice, oftentimes without notifying their doctors. For this reason, the National Lipid Association embarked on a study that used internet surveys to determine why patients discontinue their statins. This was called the USAGE Study, and its results are the subject of this discussion. Host, Dr. Alan Brown welcomes Dr. Jerome Cohen, emeritus professor of Internal Medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine.
For more information on the USAGE survey, including resources for patients and healthcare providers, please visit the USAGE website at www.StatinUSAGE.com.
