Table 5.

Key messages from this review

Elderly individuals are more likely to have heart disease, particularly subclinical atherosclerosis. Atorvastatin is the most potent statin with proven benefit in terms of improved clinical outcomes. Atorvastatin has been widely tested among older people, both with and without known coronary heart disease. Elderly patients benefit equally, if not more, with atorvastatin therapy compared to their younger counterparts. Atorvastatin therapy in these patients is cost-effective when considering cardiovascular outcomes and cost-savings from reduced hospitalization. Lower doses of statins are generally safe in the elderly population. Atorvastatin is also effective in an alternate dose regimen, which makes it particularly attractive for older patients having statin-related adverse effects. Therefore, the risk-benefit ratio for atorvastatin therapy remains favorable even in older individuals.