Do the Elderly and Women also Benefit from Lipid-Lowering Therapy?
Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries, for men as well as for women. Despite the fact that 3 of 4 cardiovascular deaths occur in subjects aged 65 or older, only a few clinical trials have focused on the effect of lipidlowering therapy in older subjects or in women [Beaglehole, 1991; Kashyap, 1989]. Fortunately enough, the 4S, CAR E and the PAIP (Pravastatin Atherosclerosis Intervention Program) studies have all included women and subjects aged 60 or more to determine whether statins would reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke [Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study Group, 1994; Sacks et al., 1996; Byington et al.. 1995]. These studies have clearly established that statins are beneficial for both women and elderly. Indeed, the risk reduction for stroke reached 87% in the PAIP study. Based on results from the CARE study, the number of clinical cardiovascular events prevented by treating 1,000 individuals
