Statins can safely cut risk of heart attacks or strokes in healthy people aged over 70, world-first clinical trial shows
Summary
A large clinical trial led by Australian researchers found that taking statins daily can safely lower the risk of first-time heart attacks and strokes in people over 70 who are otherwise healthy. The study showed a 30% reduction in major heart events with low risks of serious side effects.Key Facts
- Statins are drugs that lower cholesterol and are already given to people under 75 with certain health risks.
- Researchers studied nearly 10,000 people over 70 who had never had a heart attack or stroke.
- The study lasted about 10 years and was a randomised controlled trial, which is a strong type of medical research.
- Daily statin use reduced the risk of a first major heart event by 30%.
- For every 37 older adults treated, one major heart event was prevented over almost six years.
- The study excluded people who might be at risk from taking statins or who already needed them.
- The research mostly involved white participants around 75 years old, so results may not apply to all groups.
- The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at a major cardiology conference.
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