Study Identifies Who Truly Benefits from Statin Use for Cholesterol Control

New York: A major U.S. study led by Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City is investigating a more accurate way to screen patients at risk for coronary heart disease and determine who would benefit most from statin therapy to lower cholesterol.

Traditionally, statin prescriptions are based on standard risk factor equations that estimate a person’s probability of developing heart disease. However, this new research is testing whether a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score—a direct imaging measure of plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries—can more precisely guide treatment decisions.

The CAC score is obtained through a low-dose CT scan that detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, offering a clearer picture of actual plaque burden, which may be a better predictor of heart disease than estimated risk alone.

“We're trying to understand if imaging evidence of plaque gives us a more effective way to guide statin use, rather than just relying on traditional risk factor models,” said Dr. Jeffrey L. Anderson, principal investigator of the study and a leading cardiovascular researcher at Intermountain Health.

The study, now fully enrolled with over 5,600 participants, was presented as an abstract at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago. Participants were divided into two groups: one assessed using conventional risk calculators and the other using CAC scoring. Physicians received a letter indicating whether statin therapy was recommended based on the assigned method.

Interestingly, researchers found that although both groups had similar baseline characteristics, the rate of statin recommendations varied significantly depending on the assessment method used.

The study is expected to conclude in early 2026. Researchers will then compare long-term outcomes such as heart attacks, strokes, deaths, and the need for procedures like revascularization over a follow-up period of up to seven years.

The findings could have major implications, especially as statins—while beneficial—come with potential side effects like muscle pain and a slightly elevated risk of diabetes. A more targeted approach could ensure that only those who truly benefit are prescribed the medication.