Statins May No Longer Be Necessary for Some Older Adults Without Cardiovascular History

A study has revealed that older adults who have never experienced a heart attack or stroke may be able to stop taking statins without significantly increasing their short-term cardiovascular risks. However, this decision is not as straightforward as it seems, with potential long-term consequences.

The research was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago, where leading experts gathered to share groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in cardiovascular care. This annual conference brings together a global community of researchers and healthcare professionals to discuss emerging evidence and clinical breakthroughs.

Elevated levels of LDL-C, or "bad cholesterol," affect approximately one-quarter of American adults. When LDL accumulates excessively in the arteries, it can lead to reduced blood flow, heart attacks, and strokes. Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol and mitigate these risks, even for individuals who have never experienced a cardiovascular event.

The decision on whether older adults need to continue taking statins is still uncertain. While statins have proven effective in reducing cardiovascular risk, their continued use beyond the age of 70 remains unclear, particularly for those without a history of heart attacks or strokes.

The decision to continue or discontinue statins after age 70 has sparked debate among medical professionals.

Researchers have been exploring this issue by studying the effects of stopping statins on older adults who were initially prescribed them to prevent a first cardiovascular event.

A recent study enrolled nearly 1,900 adults aged 70 and older who were taking statins for primary prevention. These participants had at least two chronic medical conditions, such as cancer or lung disease, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Participants were randomly assigned to either stop taking their prescribed statin medication or continue with it. Researchers monitored their health outcomes over a period of approximately two years, with additional follow-up extending up to four years.

The study aimed to determine whether stopping statins in this age group would lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, or mortality.

The initial results of the study were surprisingly positive. Participants who stopped taking statins after two years did not experience a significant increase in heart attacks, strokes, or deaths compared to those who continued their medication regimen.

In fact, the quality of life and other outcomes measured by researchers remained unchanged for both groups. Muscle discomfort, falls, and muscle wasting rates were similar among participants who discontinued statin treatment and those who continued it.

However, a closer look at the data revealed a small but notable difference in cardiovascular outcomes. For every 40 people who stopped taking statins, there was approximately one additional cardiovascular event compared to those who remained on their medication.

The longer follow-up period that extended up to four years brought new insights into the study's findings. A higher rate of serious cardiovascular events emerged during this time, with 12.7% of participants who stopped statins experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or death, compared to 9.2% of those who continued their treatment.

The longer follow-up period may have contributed to the emergence of this pattern, as it included more participants and tracked them for a longer duration than earlier studies.

The researchers emphasized that discontinuing statins for individuals over 70 without a history of cardiovascular disease or previous heart events may be safer than previously thought. However, this does not mean that a blanket recommendation can be made to stop taking the medication.

A total of 1,880 participants aged 70 and older took part in the study, with an average age of 77. The group consisted of 53% men and 47% women, all of whom had at least two chronic health conditions. Those with established cardiovascular disease or a previous heart event were not eligible for the trial.

The study was conducted across 24 medical centers in Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands between November 2021 and April 2026. During this period, participants were randomly assigned to either discontinue their statin medication or continue taking it as prescribed by their healthcare provider. The numbers were roughly evenly split, with 938 individuals assigned to stop taking statins and 942 instructed to keep taking them.

To monitor the effects of discontinuing statins on cardiovascular health, researchers tracked various outcomes throughout the trial and subsequent follow-up period. This included recording instances of heart attacks, acute ischemic strokes, and deaths from any cause. Participants also completed surveys to assess their overall quality of life, muscle pain, falls, and sarcopenia.

Despite the study's findings, there was a notable limitation in that some participants did not adhere to their assigned treatment approach. Approximately 14% of individuals switched groups during the study, with some people who were told to stop statins eventually resuming treatment while others who were supposed to continue taking them stopped using their medication altogether.

The study's findings remained robust even after additional statistical analyses were performed to verify their validity.

Considering outcomes over a two-year period, discontinuing statins may be a viable option for many adults over 70 who have not previously experienced cardiovascular disease. However, the increased rate of heart attacks and strokes during longer follow-up periods underscores the importance of individualized decision-making with healthcare professionals.

The results emphasize that stopping treatment should not be a blanket recommendation for all older adults, but rather a carefully considered choice made in consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure each person's unique circumstances are taken into account.