Millions of Britons taking the cholesterol drug atorvastatin have received new hope after research showed it cuts the risk of heart attack and stroke by 30% in older people. The findings were presented to the European Society of Cardiology.
Study of Nearly 10,000 Participants
The landmark study examined nearly 10,000 participants aged 70 and over who had no history of heart disease, diabetes or dementia. Researchers found that taking 40mg of atorvastatin daily dramatically reduced major cardiovascular events over nearly six years of follow-up.
The risk of major cardiovascular events was reduced by 30% in the atorvastatin group compared with the placebo group. However, the risk of death, dementia or persistent physical disability did not substantively differ between the two groups.
Expert Reaction and UK Impact
Professor Sophia Zoungas, who led the research at Monash University, said: "The risk of heart attack and stroke is a concern for older people and knowing there is an effective measure for lowering that risk will be a huge reassurance to older people and their families."
The findings are particularly significant as up to 8 million adults take statins in the UK, with 5.3 million people in England alone prescribed the drugs by their GP in 2023/24.
Side Effects and Future Guidelines
While muscle, liver and diabetes-related side effects were slightly more common in those taking atorvastatin, serious adverse events remained rare at just 2.7% in both groups. Experts hope the results will lead to updated guidelines to help doctors make better use of these potentially life-saving findings for elderly patients.
