A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals a missed opportunity in preventive care: Nearly half of U.S. adults eligible for cholesterol-lowering therapy aren’t receiving it. The analysis estimates that proper use of these medications could prevent over 100,000 heart attacks and 65,000 strokes every year.

cholesterol test

Routine cholesterol checks are a cornerstone of early intervention. Without them, high LDL (or “bad” cholesterol) often goes undetected until it causes serious cardiovascular issues. The Johns Hopkins team stressed the importance of proactive screening and timely treatment, especially for adults over 40 and those with risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.

At MedBen, we’ve long recognized the value of preventive care through our WellLiving program – and the numbers back it up. Clients who participate in WellLiving spend 13.3% less on cholesterol-related care than non-WellLiving groups, thanks to early detection, timely intervention, and ongoing monitoring of at-risk members.

Encouraging employees to complete regular cholesterol screenings is one of the most effective steps an employer can take toward better plan performance. If you’re not already using MedBen WellLiving to improve preventive care and reduce costly conditions, call your broker or contact MedBen Marketing.