A story in Medpage Today about a study on moderate-dose statins in adults over the age of 65 quoted James Stein, MD, professor, Cardiovascular Medicine. 

The study involved post hoc subgroup analysis of ALLHAT-LLT, and concluded that older adults don't get a cardiovascular or mortality benefit from taking a moderate-dose statin for primary prevention. 

Dr. Stein expressed concern that study shouldn't undermine the value of statins for older adults. “Statins clearly reduce risk of myocardial infarction and stroke among older adults without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). I treat a lot of older patients and the vast majority would be very pleased to avoid a heart attack or stroke, even if it's not clear if they will live longer,” he said. Dr. Stein also held concern over "null bias due to the small difference in achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)" between groups.

His comments echoed the thoughts of other physicians contacted by Medpage Today about the study, all of whom expressed skepticism that the analysis should have any clinical impact.

Dr. Stein directs the UW Health Preventive Cardiology Program.

Resources:

• "Analysis: No Statin Primary Prevention Seen for Seniors," Medpage Today, May 23, 2017