It is a medical standard that cholesterol-lowering drugs are essential following a heart attack or in cases of known atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). However, for a long time, it remained unclear whether older adults who feel perfectly healthy—and have no history of vascular disease, diabetes, or dementia—would benefit from preventive therapy. The renowned STAREE study (published in the New England Journal of Medicine, August 2026) now provides reliable data for people aged 70 and older for the first time.

Over a period of nearly six years, the study tracked approximately 10,000 healthy individuals aged 70 or older. The encouraging result: daily intake of the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events—such as heart attacks, strokes, or the need for stent implantation—by around 30 percent. At the same time, the therapy proved to be exceptionally safe and well-tolerated; serious side effects occurred no more frequently with the medication than with an inactive dummy drug (placebo).

The study also investigated whether statins extend "disability-free life expectancy" or protect against cognitive decline. No statistical difference was found in this regard: the therapy did not prevent frailty, but—fortunately—it also caused no cognitive impairment. The medication thus works exactly as intended: as a highly effective, targeted protective shield for your blood vessels.

What does this mean for your personal preventive care? Age alone is no reason to forgo effective vascular prevention. Nevertheless, in my practice, I always make decisions on an individual basis: based on your personal risk profile—supported by modern vascular diagnostics and laboratory analyses—we will weigh up together whether lowering your cholesterol with medication makes sense for you.

Please feel free to discuss this with me at your next appointment.

Today, the manufacturer delivered our new Cortex METALYZER® to our practice. This enables us to offer you spiroergometry testing using either a stationary exercise bike or a treadmill.

Spiroergometry allows for a precise assessment of your physical performance, cardiovascular and pulmonary function, and individual exercise tolerance. Furthermore, we can use the test to optimize your training—for instance, by determining your specific training zones.

We are pleased to further expand our range of diagnostic and preventive medical services, allowing us to provide you with even more personalized care in the future.

Dear patients,

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has updated its guidelines for the treatment of heart failure. These new recommendations bring important advances—leading to better diagnoses, more effective therapies, and a better quality of life. What is changing, and how do you benefit from these new recommendations?

Previously, heart failure was classified into three groups based on the heart's ejection fraction (LVEF). In the future, heart failure will be classified into two main forms.

enefits of our new practice:

• HFrEF: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
• HFpEF: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

and four stages of the disease

• Stage A: At risk
• Stage B: Pre-heart failure
• Stage C: Symptomatic heart failure
• Stage D: Advanced heart failure

Previously, laboratory values ​​such as BNP or NT-proBNP were used for diagnosis. Now, two new biomarkers have been added to detect heart failure even earlier and more accurately (Galectin-3—indicating inflammation in the heart muscle—and ST2).

Regarding drug therapy, the ESC recommends:

• SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., dapagliflozin)—even in the absence of diabetes. A class of drugs that reduces the risk of hospitalization and can improve life expectancy.
• ARNI (e.g., sacubitril/valsartan)—used earlier in the course of the disease.
• Ivabradine—helps if the heart rate remains too high despite beta-blocker use.

Lifestyle adjustments should also be made, focusing on diet and physical activity.

• Diet: Reduce salt intake (max. 5 g/day), monitor fluid intake (1.5–2 liters/day in cases of advanced heart failure), and follow a Mediterranean diet (vegetables, olive oil, fish).
• Physical activity: Moderate exercise (e.g., walking, cycling) is strongly recommended—provided your condition allows it; this includes rehabilitation exercise following a heart attack or in cases of advanced heart failure.
• Smoking and alcohol: Quit smoking—it protects your heart! Consume alcohol only in moderation (max. 1 glass/day for women, 2 for men).

Modern digital tools and therapy monitoring are also recommended. These include:

• Apps for symptom tracking (e.g., weight, blood pressure, shortness of breath)
• Telemonitoring (e.g., implantable sensors that measure intracardiac pressure)
• Rapid doctor-patient communication via app or telephone

The new classification system aims to make treatment clearer. At the same time, heart failure remains a complex condition that requires regular monitoring and individualized treatment.

The guidelines highlight warning signs you should watch for to detect heart failure early or identify a worsening of existing heart failure:

• New or increased shortness of breath (including at rest or at night)
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
• Sudden weight gain (more than 2 kg in 3 days)
• Frequent urge to urinate at night
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent coughing (especially at night or when lying down)

In general, rapid communication with your doctor—via app, telephone, or in-person consultation—is recommended. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you suspect you may be suffering from heart failure.

Schedule an appointment to:

✔ Review your current treatment
✔ Learn about new medications or digital solutions
✔ Create a personalized plan for nutrition, physical activity, and medication.