OBJECTIVES: To explore the utilization and prescribing trend of “statins,” a class of lipid-lowering medications that reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with or at high risk of different chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Also, to identify the association between patient characteristics and cholesterol levels among people using statins. The findings of this study would assist clinicians, patients, and stakeholders in making informed decisions.

METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study using NHANES, 2013-2018, electronic data files. Only adult patients were included. Study participants were identified based on statin use, including Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin, and Pravastatin. Descriptive statistical analysis and regression models were performed to fulfill the study objectives.

RESULTS: There were 2,946 participants (mean [SD] age, 65.9 [10.7] years; 54% males; 45% Whites) included in the study who used one of the statins of interest from 2013 to 2018. Among the study population, 79% were diagnosed with hypertension, 58% had a cardiovascular problem including (HF, angina, or stroke), and 47% were obese. However, only 6% had high total cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin was the most used statin, followed by Simvastatin, Pravastatin, and Rosuvastatin (42.1%, 32%, 14.6%, 11%, respectively). The logistic regression analysis showed that patients who used Atorvastatin were more likely to have normal cholesterol levels. However, females were two times more likely to have high cholesterol levels (OR = 2.44; 95% CI, 2-2.9), and people 60 years old or older were 29% more likely to have hyperlipidemia (OR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.15-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS: The statins were increasingly prescribed to older patients in general. The results show that Atorvastatin was the most administered statin among its class. Moreover, most of the patients who used Atorvastatin had normal cholesterol levels. Also, gender could have an impact on cholesterol levels.