Hyperlipidemia in older adults

Abstract

Older adults carry the highest risk for coronary artery disease and the highest burden of atherosclerosis. Although most clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering therapy have not specifically targeted older persons, growing evidence supports treatment of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in older patients, especially those at high risk for coronary events. The decision to treat a high or high-normal cholesterol level in an elderly individual must be individualized based on chronologic and physiologic age. This article summarizes current data on lipid-lowering therapy in older adults and the management of hyperlipidemia in elderly patients.