Non adherence to lipid-lowering therapy and strategies to improve adherence

Abstract

Lipid lowering therapies is well-established to prevent cardiovascular events in adults with dyslipidemia and multiple risk factors. However, global clinical usage of LLT,particularly statins remains suboptimal, with adherence low rates for primary prevention and secondary prevention. Low adherence is influenced by concerns about side effects, misconceptions about benefits. Patients often discontinue statins due to perceived side effects, despite clinical trials showing no increase in symptoms compared to placebo. Poor understanding of statin benefits, doubts about their necessity, and suspicions of over prescription contribute to nonadherence, which is often amplified by negative portrayal of LLT specialy statins on social media. Strategies to improve adherence include addressing patient concerns, enhancing physician-patient communication, and increasing patient education. Optimizing statin usage and reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease necessitates addressing patient perceptions and improving communication between healthcare providers and patients.