Statins can safely cut risk of heart attacks or strokes in healthy people aged over 70, world-first clinical trial shows

A world-first clinical trial led by Australian researchers has found that statins, commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, can safely reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in healthy individuals aged 70 and older with minimal side effects. The decade-long study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Germany, provides critical evidence for prescribing statins as a preventive measure in elderly patients who have never experienced major cardiac events.

The research, conducted by Monash University in collaboration with nearly 3,400 general practitioners across Australia, involved nearly 10,000 participants over the age of 70. The study excluded individuals with conditions that could make statin use unsafe or those already requiring the medication due to prior heart attacks. Findings revealed that daily statin use reduced the risk of a first major cardiovascular event by 30%. This translates to one major cardiac event prevented for every 37 older adults treated over nearly six years.

Adjunct Professor Mark Nelson, a co-author from Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, emphasized the importance of the study, stating that advancing age is the biggest risk factor for major heart-related events. He noted that older adults were historically overlooked in early statin research, which primarily focused on middle-aged populations. The trial aimed to fill this evidence gap to improve disease prevention in the aging demographic.

Cardiologist Professor James Chong from Sydney’s Westmead Hospital highlighted the potential global impact of the research. While he acknowledged the study’s predominantly white participant base with a mean age of 75, he suggested that increased statin use among elderly patients could significantly reduce heart-related events. However, he cautioned that further evidence may be needed for broader global applicability.

Lead researcher Adjunct Professor Sophia Zoungas expressed hope that the findings would lead to updated treatment guidelines incorporating this new evidence. The study also addressed concerns about statins increasing dementia risk, a claim that has deterred some elderly patients from taking the medication. Professor Tom Marwick from Hobart’s Royal Hospital noted that the trial provided strong evidence refuting this claim, as there was no statistically significant difference in dementia rates between those taking statins and those receiving a placebo. Marwick described the trial as well-conducted and important.

Despite the positive findings, the study also revealed a challenge in patient adherence, with over 15% of participants discontinuing their medication. Additionally, while statins reduced major heart events, they did not improve overall disability-free survival, meaning the medication did not extend life or its quality in the elderly participants.

The researchers recommend that older patients consult their general practitioners to determine if statins are appropriate for their health needs.

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