Statin Use in Women: Unique Aspects over the Lifespan

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in women in the United States with unique factors contributing to their risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). For many years, women have been underrepresented in dyslipidemia and statin clinical trials. Information drawn from these studies was generalized to the care of women. This review will focus on aspects of dyslipidemia and statin use in women over their lifespan including during pregnancy, lactation, and the menopause.

Differences in pharmacokinetics and side effects will be discussed as well as the higher prevalence of anti-inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in women that increase ASCVD risk and the specific benefits of statin use for women with these conditions. Evidence for statin benefit from primary and secondary prevention statin studies will be presented.

While newer non-statin lipid medications are now available, statins with their unique properties remain a cornerstone of treatment for dyslipidemia and prevention of ASCVD in women.