Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 31, 2024 6 months, 1 week, 4 days, 15 hours, 10 minutes ago
Medical News: A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong, has unveiled promising results on the use of statins for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and overall mortality reduction in seniors, including those aged 85 and above. This groundbreaking research covered in this
Medical News report sheds light on the significant benefits of statin therapy in an often-underrepresented age group.
Statins: A New Hope for Aging Hearts
Research Overview
The study focused on adults aged 60 and older, with a specific emphasis on those without preexisting cardiovascular diseases. Utilizing a target trial emulation design, researchers analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. The participants, tracked from January 2008 to December 2015, were those who met the criteria for statin treatment but had no prior history of statin or lipid-lowering drug use, cancer, myopathies, or liver dysfunction.
Participants and Methods
The cohort included a substantial number of older adults: 69,981 individuals aged 75 to 84 and 14,555 aged 85 and older. Among these, a significant subset had a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) equivalents, such as diabetes. Statin therapy initiation and its outcomes, including major CVDs, all-cause mortality, and adverse events, were meticulously recorded.
Key Findings
The results were striking. Statin therapy initiation was linked to a lower incidence of CVD and all-cause mortality across all age groups. Notably, even the very old, those aged 85 and above, reaped significant benefits. For those aged 75 to 84, the 5-year standardized risk reduction for CVD incidence was 1.20% in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 5.00% in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. In the 85 and older cohort, the risk reduction was even more pronounced, at 4.44% (ITT) and 12.50% (PP).
Crucially, the study found no significant increase in the risk for myopathies or liver dysfunction due to statin use in these older populations. This addresses a common concern about the safety of statins in elderly patients.
Implications for Primary Prevention
The findings of this study are particularly impactful given the ongoing debate about the use of statins in primary prevention of CVD in the elderly. Historically, adults aged 75 and older have been underrepresented in randomized controlled trials, leading to a lack of consensus on this issue. This research provides robust evidence supporting the use of statins in these age groups, suggesting that the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.
Addressing Potential Limitations
While the study's results are compelling, the researchers acknowledge potential limitations, such as unmeasured confounders. Factors like diet and physical activity, which were not accounted for in the EHR data, could influence the outcomes. However, the large sample size and real-world data provide a strong foundation for the conclusions drawn.
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Conclusion
This comprehensive study underscores the efficacy and safety of statin therapy in preventing cardiovascular events and reducing mortality among older adults, including those well into their 80s. As the population continues to age, these findings could have profound implications for clinical practices and guidelines, advocating for the broader use of statins in primary prevention strategies for seniors.
In summary, for adults aged 60 and above, particularly those 75 and older, statin therapy offers a valuable tool in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improving overall longevity. This research provides a beacon of hope, emphasizing that age alone should not be a deterrent to the proactive management of cardiovascular health.
The study highlights a crucial message: it's never too late to benefit from preventive measures. Statins, often prescribed to lower cholesterol, have now proven their worth in extending the lives of our oldest citizens, ensuring that age does not diminish the quality of healthcare they receive. This study paves the way for more inclusive research and a reevaluation of treatment guidelines to better serve our aging population.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Annals of Internal Medicine.
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M24-0004
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