11 Nov Should Statins Be Used in People Aged 70–100?

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Nordestgaard

Børge G. Nordestgaard, MD, DMSc
Professor, University of Copenhagen
Chief Physician, Dept. Clinical Biochemistry
Herlev and Gentofte Hospital
Copenhagen University Hospital
Herlev, Denmark 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding the association between elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in individuals above age 70 years; with some studies showing no association and others only minimal association. However, these previous studies were based on cohorts recruiting individuals decades ago where life-expectancy were shorter and where treatment of comorbidities were very different from today

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: In a contemporary primary prevention cohort, we found that elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with increased risk of heart attack and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in individuals aged 70-100 years, just like in those aged 20-79 years. People aged 70–100 years with elevated LDL cholesterol had the highest absolute risk of heart attack and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and the lowest estimated number needed to treat to prevent one event.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Elevated LDL cholesterol in individuals aged 70-100 years is not a benign finding as it is associated with substantial elevated risk of heart attack and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In this age group relatively few individuals need to be treated with a statin to prevent a heart attack and one event of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Although our study strongly supports the use of statins to prevent heart attacks and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in those aged 70-100 years, data on potential statin­ associated adverse events within this age group is limited and should ideally be tested in randomized controlled trials. That being said, emerging evidence based on previous clinical statin trials have found statin to be safe in those aged above 70 years.

Citation:

Elevated LDL cholesterol and increased risk of myocardial infarction and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in individuals aged 70–100 years: a contemporary primary prevention cohort
Mortensen, Martin Bødtker et al.
The Lancet, Volume 0, Issue 0 

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Last Updated on November 11, 2020 by Marie Benz MD FAAD