STAREE Trial Finds Atorvastatin Cut Major Cardiovascular Events 30% in Over-70s

An Australian-led randomized trial found that daily atorvastatin cut major cardiovascular events by 30% among independently living adults aged 70 or older who had no cardiovascular disease, diabetes or dementia. STAREE enrolled 9,971 people and assigned 4,984 to 40 mg atorvastatin and 4,987 to placebo, following them for a median 5.9 years. Major events occurred in 6.0% of the atorvastatin group and 8.3% of the placebo group. Disability-free survival did not improve significantly, serious adverse events were 2.7% in both groups, and researchers said the findings could inform preventive-treatment guidelines.