Rethink statins for older people without diabetes

Researchers from Spain have recently demonstrated what many clinicians have long suspected. In a study of nearly 47,000 people without clinically recognised atherosclerotic CVD, the subjects were stratified by presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and as statin non-users or new users.The hazard ratios for were not significantly different for those with statin use aged 75 years or older. On the other hand, for those with diabetes, statins showed a protective effect against atherosclerotic CVD and all cause mortality; but this was substantially reduced beyond the age of 85 years and after the age of 90 years. This finding would be of great interest to anyone who reviews medication usage characteristics in aged care wards or aged and extended care facilities. More can be read here