If you are 75 or older, the decision to treat high cholesterol is not clear cut. Some older people may benefit from taking statins and other medicines to lower cholesterol. Others may not.

Most studies about the benefits of statins were done on younger people. Some studies done on older people support the use of statins to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Other studies do not support this. Older people are more likely to have other health problems. They also tend to be taking other medicines. This might raise the risk of side effects from statins.

Talk to your doctor about taking statins. Together you can weigh the benefits and risks. If you have had a heart attack or stroke, the benefits of statins probably outweigh the risks. If you have other health problems or take medicines that interfere with statins, you and your doctor can decide together what is best for you.

Benefits vs Risk

Older age? Weigh your benefits and risks with your doctor!