What is the benefit of using moderate or high-intensity statin therapy for primary prevention in those over 75 years of age with diabetes mellitus?
Although no controlled statin trials in people over 75 years of age are available, a meta-analysis of the JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) and HOPE-3 (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation) trials demonstrated similar benefits in ASCVD reduction among those over 70 of age versus those under 70 years. Although the study included few patients with diabetes mellitus, it does support the continuation of moderate- or high-intensity statin therapy for primary prevention in those over 75 years of age with diabetes mellitus, who comprise 21% of the population in this age category.