VA and a major study on use of statin drugs by older people



Hi, I’m Mike Richman of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—with this VA Research Nugget. Millions of Americans use statin drugs to lower high cholesterol, a risk factor for heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Most research on statins has been on middle-aged people. But a major statin study on older people is now underway, with 50 VA medical centers taking part. The study is designed to answer whether one statin in particular—Lipitor—can help adults 75 and older stay healthy and avoid symptoms, such as dementia. It will also help clarify which older adults shouldn’t be on statins, which can lead to troubling side effects. The most common one is myopathy, a muscle injury that can cause serious damage. Women and people 80 and older are at highest risk for statin myopathy. To learn more about VA research, go to research.. That’s research.. I’m Mike Richman. ................
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