A subgroup analysis of a 2002 study receives more attention than perhaps it should.
A new study, a secondary analysis of a large lipid-lowering trial (ALLHAT-LLT), looked at adults aged 65 and older who were clear of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at baseline and had moderate hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Roughly 2900 patients were randomized to pravastatin (40 mg/day) or usual care.
Over 6 years, all-cause mortality was higher with pravastatin than with usual care (19% and 16%) although the difference was not statistically significant. The mortality gap was wider for patients aged 75 and older (31% and 23%) but still didn't reach statistical significance. There were also no significant group differences in secondary outcomes, including coronary heart disease events.
An editor's note concludes that statins' muscul…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardUnited Healthcare; Element Science; Eyedentifeye, F-Prime
EquityHugo Health; Refactor Health; Element Science
Grant/Research SupportPfizer; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Janssen Research and Development, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; American Heart Association
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardUnited Healthcare; Element Science; Eyedentifeye, F-Prime
EquityHugo Health; Refactor Health; Element Science
Grant/Research SupportPfizer; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Janssen Research and Development, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; American Heart Association