Karlson BW, et al. – This study investigated the association of age and gender with statin–mediated changes in low–density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL–C), high–density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL–C) and non–HDL–C. In all gender and age groups analysed in this study, statins improved the lipid profile but at the same time, women versus men, as well as those aged ≥70 years versus with those aged <70 years, showed greater improvements.

Methods

• Researchers obtained individual patient data (n = 32,258) from VOYAGER.
• They estimated least-squares mean percentage change from baseline in LDL-C, non-HDL-C and HDL-C with atorvastatin 10–80 mg, rosuvastatin 5–40 mg or simvastatin 10–80 mg in women aged <70 years, women aged ≥70 years, men aged <70 years and men aged ≥70 years.

Results

• Findings demonstrated that all statins and doses gave significant dose-dependent reductions in LDL-C and non-HDL-C, and increases in HDL-C, in all four patient groups.
• Researchers observed a 2.1% greater reduction in LDL-C in women, compared with men (p < 0.0001).
• They also noted that patients aged ≥70 years experienced a 2.7% greater reduction in LDL-C compared with younger patients (p < 0.0001).
• Data highlighted that similar results were also observed for statin-mediated changes in non-HDL-C.
• Additionally, it was reported that men experienced a significantly greater increase in HDL-C than women, and patients aged ≥70 years achieved a significantly greater increase than younger patients (both p = 0.001).