title: Initiation of statin therapy: are there age limits?
abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, with a higher prevalence in older adults who form an increasing proportion of the population of the United States. Statin treatment reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in middle-aged adults. However, few studies have included older individuals, particularly ages 80 years or older. We review recent publications regarding primary and secondary prevention of CVD with statin therapy in older adults. Risk scores and their limitations in this population are discussed. The association of adverse effects with intensive doses of statin and their interactions with other drugs may be more problematic in older adults. Statin therapy appears cost-effective for individuals with higher CVD risk but this is dependent on the assumptions used. Evidence remains limited regarding the overall benefit of starting statin therapy in adults ages 80 years and older; thus, clinical judgment remains necessary in making this decision.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 4940 Eastern Ave, 301 Building, Suite 2400, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
authors.forename: Dipan A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Desai
authors.forename: Sammy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zakaria
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ouyang
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002423:Cause of Death; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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