Optimizing Statin Treatment for Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Although treating to lipid targets (“treat to target”) is widely recommended for coronary artery disease (CAD) prevention, some have advocated administering fixed doses of statins based on a person’s estimated net benefit (“tailored treatment”). Objective: To examine how a tailored treatment approach to statin therapy compares with a treat-to-target approach. Design: Simulated model of population-level effects of treat-to-target and tailored treatment approaches to statin therapy. Data Sources: Statin trials from 1994 to 2009 and nationally rep-resentative CAD risk factor data. Target Population: U.S. persons aged 30 to 75 years with no history of myocardial infarction. Time Horizon: Lifetime effects of 5 years of treatment. Perspective: Societal and patient