USE OF STATINS IN THE PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing a substantial clinical and economic burden. Among the modifiable risk factors are dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity, with atherosclerosis being the primary mechanism underlying acute cardiovascular events. Statins, inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, reduce LDL-cholesterol levels and exert important pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory action and plaque stabilization. This integrative review analyzed 15 studies published between 2015 and 2025, including clinical trials, meta-analyses, guidelines, and observational investigations, aiming to evaluate the efficacy, safety, adherence, and applicability of statins in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events. The findings demonstrate that statin therapy consistently reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, particularly in adults with intermediate or high cardiovascular risk. Among individuals over 75 years of age, benefits remain present, although the evidence is still limited. Therapeutic adherence, continuous clinical follow-up, individualized treatment strategies, and well-structured public health policies are essential factors for maximizing protective outcomes. Thus, statin use in primary prevention is shown to be safe and effective when integrated into a multidimensional approach that considers clinical, social, and institutional aspects.