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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
[Should we treat dyslipidemia in the elderly and the oldest old?]
N Doser Joz-Roland1, C Büla, N Rodondi
1Service de gériatrie et de réadaptation gériatrique, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. Nicole.Doser@chuv.ch
Abstract:
Therapy of dyslipidemia in the elderly and the oldest old remains controversial. Several studies have shown benefits of statins on secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older adults up to 80 years, but data remain scarce after that age. Fewer studies have assessed the impact of statins in primary prevention in the elderly. Most studies have not included adults older than 75 years, and absolute risk reduction is far lower compared to secondary prevention. Use of statins for primary prevention in this age group should be based on individual decision, taking into account patient's functional and cognitive status, comorbidities and other therapies to avoid drugs interactions, with the help of shared-decision making.
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