Control of blood lipids in the elderly

In individuals 65 years of age and older cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death around the world. Hypercholesterolemia is among the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disorders. Most of the scientifically based studies on preventive measures for cardiovascular conditions have been conducted in subjects younger then 65 years of age. In the last 10 years some clinical trials have included a considerable number of individuals older than 65 years of age providing a scientific basis for therapeutic and preventive intervention in the aged. In this article we summarize the main studies concerning lipids as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the elderly and we present the indicated primary and secondary preventive measures for reducing cholesterol levels in the elderly leading to a reduction in total and cardiac mortality, and to lesser development of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.