Young adults not getting heart-saving statins

CHICAGO, Ill. (WPVI) -- Some top cardiologists say not everyone is getting the treatment they need for high cholesterol.

And that could boost their risk for heart disease.

We're talking about the L-D-L cholesterol, the bad type of cholesterol.

If someone over the age of 21 has a level of 190 or greater, guidelines call for them to be put on a statin medication.

But a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association says for younger adults, that doesn't always happen.

In fact, researchers found less than 45-percent of adults under forty with high L-D-L levels get a prescription for the medication.

And the number is even lower for patients in their thirties.

Doctors say proper treatment can help prevent problems and improve survival.

The take-home message for all adults is to know your numbers, and talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you to lower your risk for heart disease.