Use of Statins in an Australian Elderly Population

Svetla Gadzhanova

doi:10.23937/2378-2951/1410016

Abstract

Background: Statins are the first drug choice for lowering high cholesterol and are one of the most widely used classes of medicines in Australia. Although well tolerated, some adverse effects are dose and potency dependent to which older people are particularly susceptible. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the use of statins in elderly Australians, and how usage had changed over time with respect to dose and potency of statin prescribed. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data from the

Highlights

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is the largest cause of premature death in Australia, accounting for over a third of all deaths in 2007 [1]
High potency/high dose statins were less likely to be received by those aged 85 and over compared to those under 85 years (adjusted Odds Ratio=0.38, 95% CI 0.37-0.40) and by those living in residential aged care compared to those living in the community(aOR=0.88, 0.83-0.94)
High potency/high dose statin use was higher among secondary prevention patients than among primary prevention patients

Summary

Introduction

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is the largest cause of premature death in Australia, accounting for over a third of all deaths in 2007 [1]. More recent findings by the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists (CTT) Collaboration using individual patient data meta-analysis provide evidence that men and women, old and young all appear to benefit from statin use regardless of baseline risk [6]. These findings have been debated with some researchers suggesting only a small gain in reduction of clinical events which has the potential to be offset due to the occurrence of non-adherence and side effects which may be more apparent at higher doses [7]. Some adverse effects are dose and potency dependent to which older people are susceptible

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion