Health · Medical Research · 2 hrs ago
Study finds stopping statins did not raise short-term risk for many over-70s
Researchers studied whether older adults could stop statins, medicines that lower cholesterol and help prevent heart problems.
The study involved 1,880 people over 70 with no history of heart disease.
Half stopped taking statins, while the others continued, and researchers followed them for two years.
The groups had little difference in heart attacks, strokes or deaths during that period.
This suggests stopping may be safe for many older people who have not had a heart event, but the findings do not establish longer-term safety.
The study found no improvement in quality of life from stopping the medication.
Patients should discuss any change with their doctor before they stop taking statins.
A study found little short-term difference in heart attack, stroke or death risk between many adults over 70 who stopped statins and those who continued.
The study included 1,880 people over 70 with no history of heart disease.
After two years, researchers found little difference in the overall risk of heart attack, stroke or death between the groups.
The researchers said patients should discuss stopping statins with their doctor first.
MedPage Today cautioned that the findings did not establish longer-term cardiovascular safety and showed no quality-of-life benefit.
- Who
- Researchers at the University of California studied 1,880 people over 70 with no history of heart disease.
- What
- The study compared those who stopped taking statins with those who continued.
- When
- Outcomes were assessed after two years. The study was reported on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- The findings were revealed at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions in Chicago.
- Why
- Not stated
Researchers presenting the study
MedPage Today
Short-term safety
Researchers presenting the study
Researchers found little difference in the two-year risk of heart attack, stroke or death between those who stopped statins and those who continued.
MedPage Today
MedPage Today said older long-time users were arguably fine stopping therapy in the trial.
Longer-term implications
Researchers presenting the study
The researchers said stopping was generally safe for most people in this age group who had not had a previous heart event.
MedPage Today
MedPage Today said the findings did not bode well for longer-term cardiovascular safety.
Quality of life
Researchers presenting the study
Not addressed in the Daily Mail report.
MedPage Today
MedPage Today said there was no quality-of-life upside.
Researchers found little difference in the overall risk of heart attack, stroke or death between those who stopped statins and those who continued.
The study was reported as having been revealed at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions in Chicago.
- Study participants
- 1,880 people over 70
- Previous heart disease
- Participants had no history of heart disease
- Study groups
- Half were told to stop statins; the remainder continued
- Follow-up
- Two years
- Study venue
- American Heart Association scientific sessions, Chicago
3 sources
What people are saying
In general, discontinuation is safe for most people in this age group who have not suffered a previous heart event