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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
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Primary prevention statin therapy in older adults
Michael G Nanna1, Ahmed Abdullah1, Martin B Mortensen2
1Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|January 4, 2023
Summary
Primary prevention statin treatment benefits older adults up to age 75. Current guidelines conflict for those 70-75, with limited evidence beyond age 75, pending ongoing trials.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Increasing lifespan magnifies opportunities for cardiovascular disease prevention in older adults.
- Primary prevention statin use shows clear benefits through age 75, with uncertainty beyond this age.
- Conflicting guidelines exist for statin recommendations in adults aged 70-75 and beyond.
Approach:
- Review of evidence for primary prevention statin treatment in older adults.
- Assessment within the context of current guideline recommendations.
- Highlighting considerations for shared decision-making in clinical practice.
Key Points:
- Statin benefits are evident for primary prevention up to age 75.
- Guidelines from ACC/AHA and USPSTF reflect benefits through age 75.
- Evidence for primary prevention statins in adults over 75 is limited and guidelines are equivocal.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing trials (STAREE, PREVENTABLE) will provide further insights into statin use in older adults.
- A holistic approach is crucial for treatment decisions in elderly patients.
- Further research is needed to clarify statin utility beyond age 75.
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