Purpose of review: A strong potential exists for greater promotion of statin therapy among the over-70 age group on the basis of their high absolute cardiovascular risk. However, the evidence for this approach is currently unclear.
Recent findings: Meta-analysis of trials highlights the uncertainty about the efficacy of statins in the prevention of major vascular events and all-cause mortality in the elderly. This stems from inadequate numbers of participants from this age group included in previous randomized clinical trials. Adverse effects of statins are likely to be greater in the elderly, but their frequency is uncertain and their contribution to frailty and loss of independence in the elderly has been little studied.
Summary: Real world trials examining the impact of statin therapy in the elderly are now called for.