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Hyperlipidemia in older adults
Farhan Aslam1, Attiya Haque, L Veronica Lee
1Department of Cardiology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals, 1153 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|December 1, 2009
Summary
Older adults face high risks for coronary artery disease. Evidence supports cholesterol-lowering therapy for elderly patients with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, especially those at high cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Older adults have the highest risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis.
- Most clinical trials on cholesterol-lowering therapies have not specifically focused on elderly populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current data on lipid-lowering therapy in older adults.
- To review the management of hyperlipidemia in elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical trial data and management guidelines.
- Individualized treatment approach based on chronologic and physiologic age.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence supports treating elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in older patients.
- Treatment decisions require careful consideration of individual patient factors.
Conclusions:
- Lipid-lowering therapy is increasingly supported for older adults at high risk for CAD.
- Personalized management strategies are crucial for elderly patients with hyperlipidemia.
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