The age of statins

Healthy older adults ages 75 and older might not benefit from the drugs to protect against cardiovascular disease.


Image: © rogerashford/Getty Images

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people ages 75 and over. The cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can help protect against heart attack or stroke, both for people who have already had one and those who are at high risk for one of these events.

But what if you are in this older age bracket and have no history of cardiovascular problems? Do you really need one of these cholesterol-lowering drugs to protect yourself from future heart attacks and strokes?

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