Why do sales of lipid-lowering drugs vary between counties in Norway?

Which population groups should be targeted for cardiovascular prevention? A modelling study based on the Norwegian Hordaland Health Study (HUSK)

“…They found that the number needed to treat (NNT) in order to prevent one death from CVD varied substantially between the guidelines. Studies show large variations in use of LLD across Europe [29], between Norwegian counties [30], and within selected population [31,32]. Variations in morbidity may explain only some of the differences [30].…”

“…Studies show large variations in use of LLD across Europe [29], between Norwegian counties [30], and within selected population [31,32]. Variations in morbidity may explain only some of the differences [30]. Reimbursement systems, national guidelines, and drug marketing probably play important roles, as do patients' and physicians' attitudes and preferences.…”

Aspects of statin prescribing in Norwegian counties with high, average and low statin consumption – an individual-level prescription database study

“…Ideally, geographical variations of statin consumption should reflect variations in the size of population eligible for such therapy, as defined by the guidelines. However, according to our previous findings in a population-based study from Hedmark and Oppland, the presence of cardiovascular morbidity and risk factors were similar in the populations in the two counties [ 4 ]. Still our previous study indicated that more people received statins for primary prevention in the high-consumption county Hedmark.…”

“…Still our previous study indicated that more people received statins for primary prevention in the high-consumption county Hedmark. In addition, the statin users in the primary prevention subgroup seemed to be treated more intensively, as reflected in the higher attainment of total cholesterol (TC) targets among statin users in Hedmark [ 4 ]. The success in achieving the TC target might, however, be influenced by the use of higher dosages of statins and/or continuity of use.…”

Functional Ability, Physical Activity and Self-rated Health in Old Age A Cross Sectional Population-based Study in Norway

“…In 2000 -2003 The National Health Screening Service (part of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health since 2002) performed multi-purpose health examination surveys in five counties in Norway: Oslo [8] (the capital, urban south), Oppland, Hedmark [9] (towns and rural areas, south), Troms and Finnmark [10] (towns and rural areas, north). The surveys included questionnaires and objective measurements.…”