Table 1. Clinical intervention studies in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in elderly patients.

Study	N (% elderly)	Age range (yr)	Statin (dose)	Mean follow-up (yr)	Main results	NNT
AFCAPS/TexCAPS[35]	6,605 (21% > 65 yr)	45−73	Lovastatin (20−40 mg)	5.2	37% reduction in non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina and sudden death.	49
ALLHAT-LLT[36]	10,335 (50% > 65 yr)	≥ 55	Pravastatin (40 mg)	4.8	No significant reductions in mortality, coronary heart disease or stroke vs. usual care (4.8 years).	NS
ASCOT-LLA[37]	10,305 (64% > 60 yr)	40−75	Atorvastatin (10 mg)	3.3	36% reduction in non-fatal myocardial infarction and coronary death.	164
CARDS[38]	2,838(40% > 65 yr)	40−75	Atorvastatin (10 mg)	3.9	37% reduction in fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary death, unstable angina, and revascularization.	42
MEGA[39]	7,832(70% > 55 yr)	40−70	Pravastatin (10−20 mg)	5.0	31% reduction in coronary events. 32% reduction in total mortality.	150
CHS[40]	1,914 (100% > 65 yr)	> 65	Statins	7.3	44% reduction in all-cause mortality.56% reduction in cardiovascular disease.	46
PROSPER[41]	5,804 (100% > 70 yr)	70−82	Pravastatin (40 mg)	3.2	15% reduction in coronary death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke.	59
JUPITER[42]	17,802 (32% > 70 yr)	60−71	Rosuvastatin (20 mg)	1.9	44% reduction in non-fatal myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event, revascularization, coronary death and unstable angina.	95

NNT: number needed to treat; NS: non significance.