Statin Use for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: Preventive Medication

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Systematic Review

Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Last Reviewed: August 2022

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that some adults without signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) use a statin to prevent CVD. Specifically, the recommendation applies to people who:

  • Are ages 40 to 75 years
  • Have 1 or more CVD risk factors
  • Are at high risk for a CVD event — determined by a clinician

USPSTF found insufficient evidence to assess whether the benefits of starting statins outweigh the harms in people age 76 years or older.

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Suggested Citation

1.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2016). Statin Use for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: Preventive Medication. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/statin-use-in-adults-preventive-medication