A new international analysis suggests that tens of thousands of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes could be prevented each year if more people eligible for cholesterol-lowering therapy followed guidelines. The study underscores gaps between ideal care and real-world practice, a concern echoed in Thailand where heart disease remains a leading cause of death.
Thailand faces a mounting burden of cardiovascular disease alongside global trends. While some advanced nations have seen declines in heart-attack deaths due to medical progress, risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity are common in Bangkok and across the country. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and international health partners show non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke, account for a large share of fatalities. As the population ages and lifestyles become more sedentary, preventive measures are increasingly vital.
Statins lower LDL cholesterol and help prevent plaque buildup in arteries, a major driver of heart attacks and strokes. Despite decades of safe use, many high-risk individuals are not prescribed or taking statins. International data indicate that many adults currently qualify for statin therapy but do not receive it.
A leading analysis evaluated health data for adults aged 40 to 75 and found that roughly half of those eligible for statin treatment under current guidelines were not receiving it. Among people who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke, many were not using cholesterol-lowering medications. Bridging this treatment gap could avert a large number of cardiovascular events and reduce health costs.
A prominent cardiologist highlighted the urgency of targeted interventions, noting that many people are unaware they have high cholesterol. Evidence-based action is critical to close the gap and prevent devastating events.
The scientific consensus on statins’ effectiveness is strong. Reviews in major medical journals confirm benefits for both primary and secondary prevention, with each reduction in LDL lowering the risk of vascular events. A comprehensive synthesis of trials supports this view.
While statins are generally safe, some individuals report side effects such as muscle discomfort or changes in liver enzymes. However, large trials show that benefits for high-risk groups outweigh risks when statins are appropriately chosen and dosed.
In Thailand, a similar pattern emerges. National health data indicate a sizable portion of adults have elevated cholesterol, but screening and treatment adherence trail behind many countries. The Universal Coverage Scheme has improved access to statins, yet rural areas and lower-income groups still experience disparities.
Thai clinicians note that many patients seek care only after a major cardiac event. A researcher at a leading Bangkok hospital emphasized that awareness of high cholesterol among patients with hypertension and diabetes remains limited. Prioritizing prevention to avert the first heart attack should be a central focus.
Thai dietary habits are shifting toward more processed foods, contributing to rising cholesterol levels. Yet local customs—emphasizing vegetables, fish, and rice—offer opportunities for health promotion. Buddhist principles of moderation align with preventive health strategies, as observed by health educators at major universities.
Looking ahead, newer statin options and combination therapies show promise. Population-wide screening and targeted imaging techniques, already piloted in several Thai hospitals, can help identify those who will benefit most from therapy.
For Thai readers, regular cholesterol screening is essential for anyone with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease. Discuss statin therapy openly with healthcare providers, weighing benefits against potential side effects. Keep follow-up appointments and take prescribed medications as directed.
For policymakers and health professionals, strengthening population cholesterol screening, promoting guideline-concordant care, and supporting patient adherence are crucial steps.
Guidance comes from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand, and major public hospitals, whose data and recommendations inform local practice.