[Statins in primary prevention: how to share the decision?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Decision Science

Context:

• Statins are proven to reduce cardiovascular events in hypercholesterolemia and are recommended for secondary prevention.
• Primary prevention decisions for statin therapy often involve general practitioners and patients without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
• A French-translated, Swiss-adapted interactive decision aid from the Mayo Clinic is now available.

Purpose:

• To review the conditions and potential benefits of shared decision-making (SDM) in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with statin therapy.
• To promote informed patient involvement in the choice of initiating statin treatment.
• To adapt and evaluate a decision aid for SDM in the Swiss context.

Summary:

• This paper examines the role of shared decision-making in the context of statin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
• It reviews the benefits and conditions for implementing SDM, focusing on a newly adapted interactive decision aid.
• The aid aims to facilitate informed choices for patients and general practitioners regarding statin initiation.

Impact:

• Facilitates informed patient-practitioner dialogue regarding statin therapy in primary prevention.
• Supports shared decision-making, potentially improving adherence and patient satisfaction.
• Contributes to evidence-based practice in cardiovascular risk management and personalized medicine.