Statin Use for Primary Prevention of CVD Lower for Sexual Minorities

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2020 — The lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population has a lower prevalence of statin use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Yi Guo, Ph.D., from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional online survey relating to statin use among 1,531 adults aged 40 years and older between September and December 2019. The prevalence of statin use was calculated by age, sexual orientation, and statin benefit populations.

The researchers found that in the primary prevention population, the rate of statin use was significantly lower in LGB versus non-LGB respondents (20.8 versus 43.8 percent). In the secondary prevention population, the prevalence of statin use was not statically significantly different in LGB versus non-LGB respondents. In the primary prevention population, LGB respondents were less likely to use statins than non-LGB respondents after adjustment for covariates (odds ratio, 0.37).

“More research is needed to better understand the cardiovascular disease health risks and outcomes in the LGB population,” a coauthor said in a statement. “Educational programs are needed to educate health professionals on these unique health risks and outcomes in the LGB population and the appropriate way to communicate with LGB people.”

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