July 13, 2012

GPs should consider how older people could benefit from heart medicines

More elderly people could benefit from medication to help prevent cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Researchers looked at the use of statins and anti-hypertensives, drugs which are commonly used to tackle cholesterol and high blood pressure – both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

They found that whilst prescriptions for these drugs increased with age, the use of blood pressure medication began to decline in people aged over 85, and the use of statins declined in people after the age of 75. The scientists concluded that the wider use of drugs amongst older people could help increase their healthy life-expectancy.

Our Senior Cardiac Nurse June Davison, said: "The older population is increasing, and doctors should consider how prescribing drugs to prevent cardiovascular disease could help reduce disability and increase life expectancy in this group.

Available evidence would suggest that older people can benefit from heart protective drugs, but more research is needed.

“Sometimes there are good reasons for not prescribing certain medicines. An older person may be more vulnerable to particular side-effects, or already be on multiple medicines for other health conditions, meaning it isn’t always appropriate to prescribe additional medicines.

“If you have questions about whether you could benefit from different medicines then talk to your GP.”

The study was published in the BMJ.