There has been uncertainty over the effectiveness and safety of the cholesterol-busting drugs in older people, but a new study by Australian researchers found statins reduced cardiovascular disease risk in senior citizens.
They were also found not to increase the risk of deaths from non-cardiovascular disease, or the risk of cancer, at any age, according to the findings published in The Lancet.
"It's encouraging to see further research showing that statins are safe and effective drugs that can reduce risk of cardiovascular conditions when prescribed appropriately, as there remains a lot of controversy around their use," said professor Martin Marshall, Vice Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said of the findings:
"It's particularly reassuring to see evidence of benefit in patients over the age of 75 - the age group most likely to need cholesterol medication, and who are at risk of heart attacks and strokes.
He added: "Like any medication, statins can have side effects - and some patients won't want to take long-term medication. But GPs are highly-trained to prescribe and will only recommend the drugs if they think they will genuinely help the person sitting in front of them, based on their individual circumstances - and after a frank conversation about the potential risks and benefits.
"We will also continue to encourage all patients to make lifestyle changes that can improve their long-term health and well-being."
He added: "As with any new research, it is now important that this study is taken on board as clinical guidelines are updated and developed, in the best interests of our patients."
The study appeared to draw similar conclusion to findings published by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Leicester in December.
They concluded that a change in dosage could also see 12,000 cardiovascular events – such as heart attacks or strokes – averted among high-risk patients in the UK.
The study was the first to look at the combined effect of high intensity statin treatment and adherence in patients who have already had a cardiovascular event and who are at increased risk of it happening again, compared to the general public.
Publishing their findings in the JAMA Network Open, they said that those taking the highest doses of statins to reduce their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels – the “bad” cholesterol which builds up in the arteries – and, crucially, who take the medication as advised by their doctor, saw the biggest reductions in risk for future cardiovascular events.
Patient adherence describes the degree to which a patient follows medical advice and takes medication correctly.
