Sex disparities in the prescription of statins and their associations with lipid parameters: the Pharmlines Initiative

Statins are important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and resulting morbidity and mortality caused by fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). Therefore, the Netherlands counted 2 million (12%) statin users in 2016. Statins are prescribed according to a cardiovascular risk score assessing the risk of acquiring or dying from cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years. This study will investigate the existence of sex disparities in statin prescription with regards to risk profiles indicating this and differences in their effects on blood lipids. With this we aim for adequate, safe, and effective prescription and treatment regimens for both men and women.