Long-term Persistence in Use of Statin Therapy in Elderly Patients

Top Cited Papers
Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease accounts for 950 000 deaths annually in the United States, including 460 000 deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD).1 Eighty-five percent of those who die of CHD and 72% of those who experience a stroke each year are 65 years of age and older.1 Since 1994, 6 large clinical trials have shown that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) significantly reduce the incidence of CHD-related morbidity and mortality and strokes in patients undergoing treatment for an average of 5 years.2-7 Analyses suggest that the benefits of statin treatment in patients 65 years of age and older are quite similar to those seen in younger patients.7-10 The recent National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations expanded the treatment-eligible elderly population from 4.2 million to 9.7 million individuals11 and emphasized that adherence to lipid-lowering therapy is critical to achieving the full population effectiveness of primary and secondary prevention.12