Taking statins alone doesn’t guarantee lower cholesterol, suggests a new study in which fewer than half of participating users of the drug failed to reach target cholesterol levels.

Using data that tracked over 165,000 statin users, researchers found that over a two-year period, just 48.8% saw a reduction of 40% or more in LDL or “bad” cholesterol. The researchers also concluded that statin users who didn’t achieve target cholesterol levels were 22% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who did.

Lowering cholesterol is vital to longevity, which is why high cholesterol is among the risk factors for which individuals can receive intervention and management through MedBen WellLiving. Our specialty care program identifies plan members who could benefit from one-on-one, disease-specific counseling through nurse coaching.

Candidates for specialty care are contacted by an RN Health Consultant via phone, letter or e-mail and offered customized education and coaching. To encourage a long-term commitment to reducing bad cholesterol, follow-up calls can be scheduled on a routine basis.

Specialty care is just one way that MedBen WellLiving helps employers promote a healthier workforce. To get additional details, contact Vice President of Sales & Marketing Brian Fargus at 888-627-8683 or bfargus@medben.com.