Statin Initiation: Guideline Concordance and Characteristics of New Users in Quebec, Canada

Abstract

Statins are widely prescribed for the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of patients newly prescribed a statin by general practitioners and assess the concordance of prescribing with national guidelines. Patients who were 18 years or older, French-speaking, available for the 2-year study duration, and had no history of statin use were recruited. Biological parameters were measured, and medical history, sociodemographic characteristics, and health behaviours were recorded using structured questionnaires. Patients’ eligibility for a statin was assessed using the Canadian Cardiovascular Society’s dyslipidemia guidelines. Of the 1631 new statin-users enrolled, 47.6% were women. The mean age for all patients was 57.4 years. According to the Canadian guidelines, 50.6% of patients were considered at high risk for a CV event or had a statin-indicated condition. Moderate and low-risk patients represented 26.7 and 22.7% of patients, respectively.