OBJECTIVES:: Although several studies have demonstrated the relationship between high serum cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease incidence, this relationship for the elderly seems to be the opposite. Observational studies have shown that, in the elderly, higher serum cholesterol rates represented reduction in mortality. Statins have already demonstrated their benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular disease in adults. This correspondence is much clearer in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease . Based on this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of statins in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in the elderly. RESULTS::  this systematic review show that in the elderly with a pre-existing cardiovascular disease the statin is able to reduce death from all causes, presenting a relative risk of 0.78 (95%CI 0,70-0,86) I=0% (p=0,7912), death by CVD RR=0.69 (95%CI 0,60-0,80) I=0% (p=0,5081), fatal and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction RR=0,72 (95%CI 0,63-0,83) I=0% (p=0,8489), nonfatal myocardial infarction RR=0,75 (95%CI 0,64-0,87) I=0% (p=0,7460), AVC RR=0.80 (95%CI 0,66-0,96) I=42,6% (p=0,1363) and revascularization RR=0,70 (95%CI 0,60-0,81) I=0% (p=0,5611). CONCLUSIONS::  Despite statins have shown efficacy, treatment decisions should consider the patient's individual status regarding comorbidity, polypharmacy, and patient opinion, since the elderly have a higher risk of adverse effects by this drug’s class