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Meta-analysis Finds Statin Benefit in Primary Prevention
Statin use is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and major coronary and cerebrovascular events, according to a BMJ meta-analysis published online.
Researchers examined data from 10 controlled trials comprising some 70,000 older subjects (mean age, 63) without established cardiovascular disease, but with risk factors for it. After a mean follow-up of 4 years, statin recipients showed a 0.6% absolute risk reduction in all-cause mortality, a 1.3% absolute risk reduction in major coronary events, and a 0.4% absolute risk reduction in major cerebrovascular events.
The authors say that the reductions seen are "comparable to that observed in secondary prevention." They emphasize, however, that "significant numbers of participants would need to be treated to prevent one event."
LINK(S):
BMJ article (Free)
Previous Physician's First Watch coverage of JUPITER trial (Free)
Published in Physician's First Watch July 1, 2009
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