Statins for primary cardiovascular prevention in the elderly

• Published in: Journal of geriatric cardiology : JGC Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 431 - 438
• Main Authors: Pedro-Botet, Juan, Climent, Elisenda, Chillarón, Juan J, Toro, Rocio, Benaiges, David, Flores-Le Roux, Juana A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Lipid and Vascular Risk Unit, Endocrinology department, Hospital del Mar.Spain%Department of Medicine, School of Medicine.Cádiz University, Cádiz, Spain 01.07.2015; Science Press
• Subjects: Review; 世界范围; 中老年人; 他汀类药物; 年龄组; 心血管疾病; 药物治疗; 药物相互作用; 预防; Cardiovascular disease; Dyslipidaemia; Primary prevention; Elderly; Statins
• ISSN: 1671-5411
• DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2015.04.016

The elderly population is increasing worldwide, with subjects 〉 65 years of age constituting the fastest-growing age group. Furthermore, the elderly face the greatest risk and burden of cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity. Although elderly patients, particularly those older 〉 75, have not been well represented in randomized clinical trials evaluating lipid-lowering therapy, the available evidence supporting the use of statin therapy in primary prevention in older individuals is derived mainly from subgroup analyses and post-hoc data. On the other hand, elderly patients often have multiple co-morbidities that require a high number of concurrent medications; this may increase the risk for drug-drug interactions, thereby reducing the potential benefits of statin therapy. The aim of this review was to present the relevant literature regarding statin use in the elderly for theft primary cardiovascular disease, with the associated risks and benefits of treatment.