Statins can safely cut risk of heart attacks or strokes in healthy people aged over 70, world-first clinical trial shows
News Source
β’Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:25:19 GMT
π° What Happened
A world-first clinical trial led by Australian researchers has found statins are safe for healthy people aged over 70. The common cholesterol-lowering drug cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes in this age group. Serious side effects were rare.
The trial answers a question doctors have long asked. Statins are already given to people under 75 with high risk, such as diabetes and high cholesterol. People who have already had a major heart event get them at any age. But nobody knew if healthy over-70s would benefit. Now there is strong evidence they would.
π The Backstory
Statins are among the most studied medicines on Earth. They work by slowing how the liver makes cholesterol. High cholesterol can clog arteries and spark heart attacks or strokes.
For years, doctors were cautious about prescribing statins to older patients. Some worried about muscle pain and other side effects. This trial shows the benefits for healthy over-70s appear to outweigh those risks. The findings could change medical guidelines around the world.
π― Why It Matters
Many Australians over 70 take no heart medication at all. This study shows a cheap daily pill could protect them from heart attacks and strokes. That could mean longer, healthier lives for millions.
A world-first clinical trial led by Australian researchers has found statins are safe for healthy people aged over 70. The common cholesterol-lowering drug cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes in this age group. Serious side effects were rare.
The trial answers a question doctors have long asked. Statins are already given to people under 75 with high risk, such as diabetes and high cholesterol. People who have already had a major heart event get them at any age. But nobody knew if healthy over-70s would benefit. Now there is strong evidence they would.
Statins are among the most studied medicines on Earth. They work by slowing how the liver makes cholesterol. High cholesterol can clog arteries and spark heart attacks or strokes.
For years, doctors were cautious about prescribing statins to older patients. Some worried about muscle pain and other side effects. This trial shows the benefits for healthy over-70s appear to outweigh those risks. The findings could change medical guidelines around the world.
Many Australians over 70 take no heart medication at all. This study shows a cheap daily pill could protect them from heart attacks and strokes. That could mean longer, healthier lives for millions.