A new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that although statins have proven to be successful in helping those with cardiovascular disease, about 20 percent of those diagnosed or at high risk of cardiovascular disease refuse this kind of treatment.
The researchers behind this project acknowledged patients’ rights, but also stated that it’s important to address concerns so that helpful treatment options can still be pursued.
Statins are a class of drug that are designed to help reduce cholesterol levels. Cholesterol typically comes from the food that we ingest–which is why someone with high cholesterol often is required to make dietary changes. But your body also produces cholesterol naturally within the liver. Statins target the liver and assists with reducing the amount of cholesterol that is produced here. Statins also help to remove cholesterol that is in the bloodstream. There are a wide variety of statins out on the market, with some being more effective than others given the unique physical circumstances that someone might be up against. If you use statins to help manage your cholesterol levels, it’s important to work closely with a doctor to fine tune the medication approach that is being used. You and your doctor might not get it perfect on the first attempt and some trial and error might be necessary. Working with a doctor that you trust is an important part of your success here.
Heart disease kills more people in the United States than anything else. This is one of the reasons why improving treatment for those with heart disease is so important. Effective treatment leads to better long term outcomes for people in this category. If people are refusing to use a proven, known treatment method, investigating the reasons why this is happening is important. Figuring out how to help those who might refuse one type of treatment in another way is important. Hopefully, this study helps to do just that.
The study was published in the journal, JAMA.
When someone suffers from a heart attack, stroke, or another cardiovascular event, the road to recovery can be a long one. Unfortunately, someone who might have been perfectly able to care for themselves prior to the event might now require a lot of extra help around the house. That’s where an in-home caregiver might be helpful. In-home care comes to you and can provide for those daily needs in a way that a family member or another non-professional might struggle to.
A family caregiver is a great start. Family caregivers do so much good and should receive a lot of accolades for what they do. But caring for a family member is hard–both physically and emotionally. Having a professional on your side might be exactly what you need to make it a little bit easier.
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