# Popular heart medication for older patients faces scrutiny as new study evaluates risks

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/popular-heart-medication-for-older-patients-faces-scrutiny-as-new-study-evaluates-risks/
- Published: 2026-11-11T15:59:58+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T16:28:01+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/11/health/popular-heart-medication-for-older-patients-faces-scrutiny-as-new-study-evaluates-risks/
- Topics: Research, Science, World

## Key points

- Stopping statins was linked to more combined serious outcomes.
- 13% of the stop group had an event, versus 9% continuing.
- Researchers say decisions should be made with a healthcare professional.

## Summary

A randomised trial found that stopping statins may bring a small added risk over two years for adults aged 70 and older who take them to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. The results matter because the benefits of continuing cholesterol-lowering treatment in later life are less certain, but the findings do not support a general recommendation to stop.

The study included 1,880 people with at least two chronic conditions and no previous cardiovascular disease. During follow-up, typically about two years and up to four for some, 13% of those assigned to stop statins had a heart attack, an ischaemic stroke or died, compared with 9% of those assigned to continue. There were no meaningful group differences in reported quality of life, muscle pain, falls or muscle loss; treatment changes and limited follow-up mean longer-term effects remain uncertain.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.