Updated

Preliminary research of nearly 1,900 adults aged 70 and older suggests stopping statins may be relatively safe short term for those without prior heart attack or stroke. ScienceDaily reported on November 13, 2026 that the independent study was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago, held November 6 through 9. The trial enrolled 1,880 adults with an average age of 77 who took statins only to prevent a first cardiovascular event and had at least two chronic conditions, such as cancer or lung disease. Half stopped statins and half continued, across 24 medical centers in Switzerland, France and the Netherlands, with follow-up of about two years and up to four years. After two years, people who stopped statins did not have a statistically significant increase in heart attacks, strokes or deaths, and quality of life, muscle pain, falls and muscle wasting were similar in both groups. Over the first two years, the results indicated about one extra cardiovascular event for every 40 people who stopped. Over up to four years, 12.7% of those who stopped had a heart attack, stroke or death, compared with 9.2% of those who continued. Study author Rita F. Redberg of the University of California, San Francisco, suggested the gap may have emerged because the trial was larger and followed people longer than earlier studies. She said decisions should be shared between each patient and clinician, and that discontinuation is generally safe for most people this age without a prior event.