Taking statins over the age of 75 may not reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke, according to a new study.

Analysis of pensioners with an average age of 77 found no benefit among those who were already generally healthy.

Published in the British Medical Journal, the study concludes the results “do not support the widespread use of statins in old and very old populations”.

However, some experts have pointed out that previous studies with alternative designs have indicated a benefit for over 75’s and cautioned pensioners not to give up the daily pills before consulting their GP.

The team of Spanish researchers analysed data on almost 47,000 people, with an average age of 77, included in the Catalan primary care system database between 2006 and 2015.

The participants were followed up for an average of 5.6 years to see whether they developed cardiovascular disease (CVD) - coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack and stroke - or if they died.