STAREE Trial Finds Daily Statins Cut Heart Attack Risk in Over-70s

A world-first clinical trial has found that taking daily cholesterol-lowering medication reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by 30% in people aged over 70. The results of the Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly (STAREE) Trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.

STAREE Trial Results Show Daily Statins Cut Cardiovascular Risk for Over-70s

Led by researchers from Monash University, the landmark 10-year study tracked and analysed the cardiovascular outcomes of nearly 10,000 participants. The trial investigated whether the commonly prescribed medications could help older, otherwise healthy people who have historically been overlooked in clinical research.

Study Design and Participant Demographics

The trial engaged more than 3,400 general practitioners across Australia, who recruited 9,971 participants from the clinical databases of over 1,000 medical practices. All participants were aged 70 or older, lived independently, and had no prior history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, or other life-limiting conditions. Approximately one-quarter of the participants were from rural areas, and 51.9% were women.

During the study, 4,984 participants were assigned to receive atorvastatin, while 4,987 were assigned to receive a placebo. Those taking a daily dose of 40 mg atorvastatin experienced a lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to the placebo group over an average follow-up period of six years. In real terms, the findings indicate that one major cardiac event—such as a heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery—could be prevented for every 37 older adults treated with the medication, according to reporting by The Guardian.

Expert Perspectives and Clinical Implications

Lead researcher Adjunct Professor Sophia Zoungas, from the Monash School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, stated that the findings provide gold-standard evidence to inform preventive care worldwide. STAREE stands as a benchmark for international clinical trials that can directly inform preventive care worldwide, she said, adding that she hopes to see updated treatment guidelines implemented to help clinicians apply the new data.

Photo: SMH

Co-author Professor Mark Nelson, a prominent general practitioner and adjunct professor at Monash University, noted that the research addresses a critical missing link in elderly healthcare. Because the risk of major heart-related events increases with age, obtaining data specifically for this demographic was vital. It is really reassuring to see that you can continue to prescribe or initiate statins in the over-70s, Professor Nelson said.

Context and Future Guidelines

An estimated 21,000 older Australians experience major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes each year. While statins are widely prescribed to manage high cholesterol in individuals under 75 or those with established heart disease, their effectiveness for healthy adults over 70 had previously remained unclear, leaving them largely overlooked in early statin research.

STAREE Trial Finds Daily Statins Cut Heart Attack Risk in Over-70s — Photo: Racgp

In response to the trial results, the National Heart Foundation of Australia is preparing to release updated clinical guidelines within six months to assist GPs in their decision-making. Researchers emphasize that older patients should consult their doctors to discuss whether starting a statin is appropriate for maintaining their health and independence.