Quality Programs

Importance of Statin Therapy for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

November 7, 2024
 

According to the National Committee for Quality Assurance, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. People with diabetes also have elevated cardiovascular risk due to elevations in unhealthy cholesterol levels. This places people with diabetes at significant risk for developing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD).

American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines state that statins of moderate or high intensity are recommended for adults with established clinical ASCVD. The American Diabetes Association and ACC/AHA also recommends statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes, based on age and other risk factors. Guidelines state that adherence to statins will aid in ASCVD risk reduction in both populations.

LifeWise offers providers helpful tip sheets to learn more about what’s included in HEDIS® measures and about the importance of statin therapy.

Statin Therapy for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease (SPC)
Statin Therapy for Patients with Diabetes (SPD)

Source: Statin Therapy for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes, NCQA.