OBJECTIVES Statin medications are recommended for patients who have not achieved LDL-C goals through lifestyle modifications. Little information exists regarding the use of statins and LDL-C goal attainment among employed populations. This retrospective, observational study examined the statin medication usage pattern and the relationship between statin usage and LDL-C goal levels (according to ATP III guidelines) among a cohort of employees of a major financial services corporation. METHODS From 1995 to 2004, a total of 1,607 executives (average age 49.1, s.d. 7.6; 37% female, 63% male) participated in a health examination which included a lipid profile. An index date was assigned for each study participant using the date of their exam and statin medication usage was determined through the pharmacy claims database for 365 days before the index date. Patients were identified as adherent to statins if their medication possession ratio (MPR) was at least 80%. RESULTS Statin use increased over the study period with 150 (9.3%) executives filling at least one statin prescription in the 365 days prior to their exam. A total of 102 statin users (68%) were adherent to statin medication. Among all patients who received statin treatment, 70% (OR=2.33, 95% CI=1.54, 3.51) achieved near optimal (<130 mg/dL) and 30% (OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.15, 2.76) achieved optimal (<100 mg/dL) LDL-C goals which are significantly higher than the rates among statin non-users (55% and 21%). Both adherent statin users and nonadherent statin users were more likely to achieve recommended near optimal LDL-C goals compared to executives who were not taking statins (overall p=0.002; adherent: OR=2.75, 95%CI 1.662, 4.550; nonadherent: OR=1.70, 95% CI 0.884, 3.268.) CONCLUSIONS Among executives who participated in a periodic health examination, statin usage appears to be associated with improvements in LDL-C goal attainment. Appropriate medication usage and adherence to medication should be encouraged in working populations.