Question:
If I am 75 years old or older and I have high cholesterol, but no history of underlying heart disease (no previous heart attack, no diabetes, no vascular disease), will taking a statin medication (such as Lipitor) reduce my chance of dying?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 4
Amount Saved: $120 per year cost of generic Lipitor
MedHead Message:
If you have no heart history and you hit your early to mid 70’s, and your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol and need to take medication for it, show her or him this study. In fact, those who took statin medications at age 75 or above actually had a slightly increased chance of dying. Oh be wise, what can I say more?
References:
1. Han BH, et. al. Effect of Statin Treatment vs Usual Care on Primary Cardiovascular Prevention Among Older Adults: The ALLHAT-LLT Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2017 Jul 1;177(7):955-965. https://www.goodrx.com/lipitor?drug-name=lipitor
