Monash University study finds statins reduce heart attack risk in adults over 70

A world-first clinical trial led by Monash University researchers has found that statins can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in healthy adults aged over 70. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed nearly 10,000 participants to determine if cholesterol-lowering medication provides preventative benefits for older individuals who have not previously experienced major cardiovascular events.

The findings indicate a 30 per cent reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events for this cohort. The research also appears to address and dispel long-standing concerns regarding a potential link between statin use and dementia.

Previously, the benefits of prescribing statins to healthy adults over 75 were considered unclear, meaning they were not routinely prescribed as preventative medicine for this group. Researchers noted that older populations were often overlooked in earlier studies, which primarily focused on middle-aged individuals. Dr. Mark Nelson, a co-author of the study, stated that the results provide essential evidence for managing cardiovascular risk in an aging society.