What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that increases a person's risk for cardiovascular disease (heart problems or stroke). C-reactive protein is another substance in the blood that serves as a marker for cardiovascular disease risk. Statins are drugs that lower both LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels. It has been known for a long time that statins reduce cardiovascular disease in persons with high levels of LDL cholesterol. In 2008, a study showed that the statin rosuvastatin reduced cardiovascular problems in persons with no previous cardiovascular disease and normal LDL cholesterol levels but elevated levels of C-reactive protein. The results of the initial report of this study suggested that rosuvastatin benefited persons regardless of their age. However, this study included larger numbers of older persons than did many previous studies of statins and provided an opportunity to look closely at the benefits and risks of this statin in older persons.