Prophylactic pharmacotherapy for cholesterol reduction in the Canadian military: Potential for improved health and cost-effective health care.

Abstract

Introduction. Statins may be under-prescribed in clinical settings. This study was undertaken to determine if the same is true in the military. The cost-effectiveness of statin therapy in patients identified by current Canadian cholesterol guidelines was also explored. Methods. Charts of 1424 Canadian military personnel (age ≥ 45) were reviewed at eleven Canadian bases. Risk factors and cholesterol values were used to identify drug therapy candidates and patients not being treated to target values. Cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated based on a systematic review of the literature. Results. 53/111 patients on therapy were not being treated to target cholesterol levels, while 172/1313 not on therapy were drug therapy candidates. An average of 2.89 years of life saved (YOLS) in drug therapy candidates was forecasted, costing less than $10,000/YOLS. Conclusion. The health benefits of statin therapy in this population are substantial and the cost-effectiveness is acceptable. Statin therapy warrants greater attention as a preventive strategy.