Statin therapy cuts heart attack and stroke risk for seniors over 70, trial shows

In a decade-long, randomized control trial across Australia, almost 10,000 adults older than 70 received either a daily statin or a placebo, with participation coordinated by roughly 3,400 general practitioners. The investigation excluded individuals who could not safely take statins, were not living independently, or already required the medication after a prior heart event. Results showed a 30% drop in first major cardiovascular incidents, translating to one prevented event for every 37 seniors treated over nearly six years.

Serious side effects were uncommon, and the incidence of dementia was similar between the statin and placebo groups. Nonetheless, more than 15% of participants discontinued the drug, and overall disability-free survival did not improve. Experts suggest the findings could prompt updates to treatment guidelines, though they note the study population was predominantly white with an average age around 75.