An expert opinion paper on statin adherence and implementation of new lipid-lowering medications by the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy: Barriers to be overcome

Benefits and safety on statins have been well established over 20 years of research. Despite this, the vast majority of patients are not adequately treated and do not achieve the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target levels. This is mainly due to poor adherence, which is associated with dangerous and sometimes fatal outcomes. To increase adherence and prevent worse outcomes, a combination therapy with lower dosage of statins and new lipid lowering drugs may be used. However, the implementation of new lipid lowering drugs in European countries is still at the beginning. For these reasons, aim of this position paper is to give an up-to-date indication from the European Society of Cardiology in order to discuss the barriers towards statins adherence and new lipid lowering drugs implementation in Europe