Abstract
Age is one of the strongest cardiovascular risk factors. The population over 65 years of age constitutes the fastest growing segment in the USA. In 1994, there were 33.2 million people older than 65 years, approximately 500,000 of whom suffered a myocardial infarction [1]. It is estimated that there will be over 70 million people in this age group by the year 2030, accounting for more than 1 million myocardial infarctions a year [1]. This fast-growing highrisk population needs more effective and safe coronary artery disease (CAD) prevention and treatment strategies. Cholesterol-lowering therapies, in particular 3-hydroxy,3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (also known as statins) have been demonstrated to be very effective in primary and secondary prevention of CAD. Unfortunately, most of the earlier statin trials excluded elderly patients. The bias against the elderly population stems from the concerns regarding life expectancy, other comorbid medical conditions, potential adverse effects of statins and cost–benefit analysis in the care of geriatric population.
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