More than 44.7 million Americans need to be taking statins to lower their cholesterol.

It has been noticed while analyzing the government data that at least 80% of men older than 50 and women older than 60 should be taking a cholesterol-lowering drug. This is an increase of about 11 million people who should be on the cholesterol lowering drugs which raises the total number to about 44.7 million.

The study's lead author, Erica Spatz of Yale University, told that her team's research has thrown new light on the treatment. The doctors are now reconsidering statin treatment guidelines. The results from the JUPITER trial were first reported in November 2008.

Doctors say that the findings which suggest that cholesterol-lowering drugs can save lives not just by lowering cholesterol but by cooling inflamed arteries defy the conventional treatment practices. This in turn reduces the chances of bursting of  fatty arterial plaques which could result in pushing the debris downstream and block the heart's blood supply.
 
However Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, Director of women and heart disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City said that a doctor must take into consideration certain more aspects other than CRP and LDL levels when making a decision about statin treatment.  High blood pressure and obesity, even at borderline levels, can tip the scale, she said.