First major trial shows statins cut heart risks for over-70s but fail to preserve independence
The STAREE trial, the first large study of statins for primary prevention in adults over 70, found that daily atorvastatin reduced major cardiovascular events by 30% over six years. However, the drug did not significantly improve disability-free survival, meaning it did not prevent dementia or physical disability. While heart attacks and strokes were less common, the overall benefit to independent living was not statistically significant. The study suggests that for the elderly, non-cardiovascular factors like cancer and frailty are major drivers of disability, complicating the decision to start statin therapy.
