Use of Statins for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

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The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force continually reviews the latest information on preventative services. The Task Force has just released a new recommendation statement on statin use for adults who are at risk for cardiovascular disease.

They recommend that people age 40-75 who have one or more of the following risk factors: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, or diabetes and do not have a history of cardiovascular disease, and whose chance of having a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years is at 7.5 percent or higher, use a statin for prevention. Those whose risk is 10 percent or higher will benefit most.

Although there are some associated risks, the use of a statin along with a healthy diet and exercise, can be a useful tool in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

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