This thread should really be considering the differences between the use of Statins in Primary prevention and Secondary prevention. In Primary prevention Statins are offered or prescribed to control cholesteral in folks that have not experienced cardio-vascular disease or heart attacks or strokes. It is preventative treatment. This is the group of people where Statins could be seen as "optional", and if they are over 75 yo and still have no evidence of disease, there is little evidence in the papers I have read that they make any difference to overall life span, in fact may have slight negative impacts.
Secondary prevention is a whole different world, as these folks have known cardio-vascular disease, or have had heart attacks or strokes. For these people Statins can prevent another event and potentially save their lives, and they must take them for life regardless if their age.
As someone who has taken them for 15 years, I am in the Primary category, no evidence of any cardio-vascular disease, and the extensive testing I have had done, including vascular sonagraphs, and brain scans, show no potential narrowing of any vessels. So why do I take them - family history.
However, my family history took place long before current medications, testing, and preventative procedures were available. Both my Dad and Granddad would have probably lived much longer if they were living today, and had access to stents, blood pressure medications, and Statins. So be glad that they exist is my view.
