Nine RCTs (n=19,569) were included in the review. All trials were double-blind, and all but one used an intention-to-treat analysis. Seven trials achieved a 95% follow up rate.
Statin use was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality RR 0.78 (95% CrI: 0.65, 0.89) with the posterior median estimate of the number needed to treat of 28 (95% CrI: 15, 56). Statins reduced CHD mortality RR 0.70 (95% CrI: 0.53, 0.83) with a number needed to treat of 34 (95% CrI: 18, 69). Non fatal MI was reduced in the statin group RR 0.74 (95% CrI: 0.60, 0.89) with a number needed to treat of 38 (95% CrI: 16, 118). Need for revascularisation was also reduced RR 0.70, (95% CrI: 0.53, 0.83) with the number needed to treat being 24 (95% CrI: 12, 59). Stroke incidence was reduced RR 0.75 (95% CrI: 0.56, 0.94) with a number needed to treat of 58 (95% CrI: 27, 177). The sensitivity analysis, which adjusted for presence of prior MI, found that the treatment effects remained consistent. The Frequentist analyses also found the treatment effects remained consistent (no further details were reported).