Hyperlipidemia Pharmacotherapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Real-World Evidence Study

The study examined the prevalence of hyperlipidemia medications and associated factors in 447,080 patients in U.S. skilled nursing facilities. Results showed that 83.3% of patients with a hyperlipidemia diagnosis had at least one prescribed treatment. Statins were prescribed in 96.2% of active medication orders, while other drug classes such as omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and fibrates were less common (less than 8%). Factors most strongly associated with medication prescribing were hypertension medications, unspecified hyperlipidemia diagnosis, and active diabetes medications. Female patients and those with private or other insurance types had a lower likelihood of receiving medication orders. The study indicates that while most patients receive treatment, the use of newer non-statin therapies remains rare.