Statin therapy in the elderly: observational and randomized controlled trials support event reduction.
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy for older patients at high risk of cardiovascular events is supported by data from randomized clinical trials and observational data, including the Cardiovascular Health Study, an LDS Hospital/University of Utah cohort study, and a study from New York Medical College. Randomized trials such as the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study, the Cholesterol and Recurrent Events trial, the Heart Protection Study, and the Prospective Pravastatin Pooling Project included large numbers of elderly patients and uniformly support safety and event reduction in these groups. Although debate continues over the appropriateness of treating elderly persons and the strength of data to support a decision to treat, it is clear that older patients have the highest absolute risk of events and the potential to show the greatest benefit.
Lewis
Sandra J
SJ
Portland Cardiovascular Institute and the Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97210, USA. sandral@portcard.com
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005060:Europe; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014481:United States
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors