Are Statins Drugs of the Rich?

Since statins were introduced for the treatment of high cholesterol, the wealthy have seen a decline in lipid levels double to that of the poor.

A study by researchers at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago analyzed the social disparities in the treatment of cardiovascular disease since statins were introduced. Their research findings are published in the September issue of Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

The researchers note that high cholesterol used to be a rich man’s disease. They had easier access to high fat foods like red meat. Because wealthier Americans are more likely to be treated with statins, they’re now the least likely to suffer high cholesterol.

It seems that even though statins can help lower elevated cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, lower income families haven’t yet been able to take advantage of them like wealthier Americans.

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