Older Adult Attitudes toward Deprescribing Statins in Primary Cardiovascular Prevention Versus General Medications

Abstract

Background: There is little evidence for statins for primary cardiovascular prevention in older adults. Consequently, it is important to assess patient attitudes toward the use of statins, which might differ from attitudes toward other medications. We aimed to describe older patient attitudes toward deprescribing statins versus general medications. Methods: We conducted a survey using the revised Patients’ Attitudes Toward Deprescribing questionnaire in its original version and adapted to statin use in adults ≥65 years taking a statin for primary prevention. Results: Among the 47 participants (mean age 74.6 years), 42 (89%) were satisfied with their current therapy, but still willing to stop ≥1 of their medications upon their doctor’s advice. About 68% ( N = 32) were satisfied with their statin therapy, while 83% ( N = 39) would accept to consider deprescribing. Twenty-six (55%) participants were concerned about missing future benefits when stopping their general medications and 17 (36%) when stopping their statin. Eight (17%) participants believed they were experiencing side effects of statins and twice as many for general medication (38%, N = 18). Conclusion: Our study provides insight about differences and similarities in patient attitudes toward deprescribing general medications and statins in primary prevention. This information could support patient-centered conversations and shared-decision making about deprescribing.