A Study on the Effectiveness of Lifestyle Modification Combined with Statin Use in Preventing Heart Disease

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study evaluated the effectiveness of lifestyle modification combined with statin therapy in preventing heart disease among individuals at moderate to high cardiovascular risk.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from January to December 2024 among 320 participants aged 40–75 years. Participants were assigned to either a statin-only group (n=160) or a lifestyle modification plus statin group (n=160). Lifestyle interventions included dietary counseling, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, stress management, and weight control. Clinical and cardiovascular outcomes were assessed over 12 months.

Results: Participants receiving combined therapy showed significantly greater improvements in LDL cholesterol (102.7 vs. 128.4 mg/dL), BMI (26.8 vs. 29.6 kg/m²), systolic blood pressure (129.5 vs. 141.3 mmHg), and fasting blood glucose levels compared with the statin-only group (all p<0.001). Cardiovascular events were also lower, including myocardial infarction (4.4% vs. 11.3%), hospitalization (6.3% vs. 15.0%), stroke (1.9% vs. 5.6%), and angina (6.9% vs. 18.1%). Combined therapy, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and BMI reduction independently predicted improved outcomes.

Conclusion: Lifestyle modification combined with statin therapy provides superior cardiovascular protection compared with statin therapy alone and should be considered an essential component of heart disease prevention.