Impact of gender on statin efficacy

To determine the impact of statin therapy on the combined endpoint of cardiovascular events in women and men separately.

A systematic literature search through May 2006 was conducted to identify randomized, controlled statin trials evaluating the gender specific incidence of cardiovascular events. Weighted averages were reported as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated via random-effects model.

The primary outcome measured was a composite endpoint of all cardiovascular events. Secondary outcomes measured included death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke.

Fifteen trials were included in this meta-analysis. Cardiovascular events were reduced in men (RR 0.76 [95% CI 0.70, 0.81]) and women (RR 0.79 [95% CI 0.69, 0.90]). Reductions in mortality, MI, and stroke predominantly contributed to the reduction in cardiovascular events in men taking statins. Women did not have a reduction in mortality or stroke, suggesting that the reductions in cardiac events may have been predominantly due to reductions in need for revascularization and/or unstable angina.

Statins reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in men and women, but women on statins may not have reductions in mortality and stroke like their male counterparts.