Study supports benefit of statin use for older adults

In this study, the most common reason that patients or their doctors stopped statins was the development of advanced cancer or other major illness. In my practice, I have also cared for many patients who have stopped taking statins or who express reluctance to take statins due to side effects. The most common side effect is muscle ache (typically tenderness or soreness of the large muscle groups, such as the biceps and thighs), which affects about 20% of statin takers and reverses when the statin is discontinued. There is also a slightly increased risk of diabetes with long-term statin use and, very rarely, liver problems. Other potential (but uncommon) side effects include cognitive problems, such as short-term memory loss and confusion, although statins actually decrease the long-term risk of dementia due to stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. Study tips the scale in favor of continued statin use in older adults Most primary care doctors and cardiologists prescribe statins according to the current guidelines. However, because these guidelines are vague when it comes to treating those over 75, there is variability when it comes to prescribing to this population. Several factors weigh into the decision. For example, many doctors (and patients) are not convinced that statins will provide any benefit in older patients, because most of our knowledge comes from studying middle-aged subjects. In addition, in older patients who may have more medical illnesses and take more medication ...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Drugs and Supplements Health Healthy Aging Heart Health Source Type: blogs