A new CTTI publication, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, investigates the use of preventive, high-intensity statins among patients 75 and older diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The study, which used pharmacy and medical claims data from a commercial health plan, found substantial underuse of statins among insured ASCVD patients. Less than half of older adults with ASCVD, who are at the highest risk of vascular events like heart attack or stroke, are taking statins. Only a minority of older patients are taking high-intensity statins, and very few are taking non-statin ASCVD treatments. Notably, women and patients who had a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were less likely to be prescribed a statin. This paper was based on exploratory work done by CTTI with Duke and HealthCore to assess patient use of ASCVD therapies, with a focus on high-intensity statins, to identify areas where future clinical trials and/or quality improvement initiatives can be targeted to address treatment gaps between clinical practice and guideline recommendations.