Does gender affect statin efficacy?

Is there evidence showing that women taking statins saw little improvement in their lipid levels? — Beverly Ablett, MSN, COHN-S, APRN-BC, Somerville, N.J.

A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials published in BMJ showed beneficial effects of statins on survival across a wide range of patients with varying degrees of cardiovascular risks. There was no significant difference in treatment benefit among men, women, the elderly, and those with diabetes.

Another study analyzing the impact of gender on statin efficacy concluded that statins decreased the risk of cardiovascular events in both men and women. However, it was noted that women who are on statins may not have the same reductions in stroke and mortality as men. — Eileen F. Campbell, MSN, CRNP (159-3)

Brugts JJ et al. BMJ. 2009;338:b2376.