Older adults can reduce their risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke by 20 by taking medication.br According to a new study, prescription statin drugs can lower an adult's risk of death from stroke and heart attack.br Study participants over age 75 who were prescribed statins were 25 less likely to die than peers not taking the drug.br Those more than 90 years old who were prescribed statins reduced their risk for death by 20.br according to UPI, 40 million Americans take statins to lower cholesterol.