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[The problem of hypercholesterolemia in the aged]
E Paciaroni1, R Antonicelli, G Lipponi
1Centro di Patologia Cardiovascolare, Istituto INRCA (Italian National Research Centre of Aging), Ancona.
Insights
Hypercholesterolaemia treatment in the elderly is recommended, even if the link between high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease is less established in older adults. A hypolipemic diet and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors like Simvastatin show promise.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Abstract:
This paper deals with the problems of hypercholesterolaemia in the elderly. We have significant results that show an important relationship between serum cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases in the adult, but the same has not yet been definitely established for the elderly. After examination of the available data, the Authors suggest that--after a through clinical evaluation--the elderly should also be treated given that there are data to suggest and hypothesize the positive action of a hypolipemic diet until at least the age of seventy five years. The therapy, whenever possible, could be dietetic; but from relevant results obtained, used together with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, these drugs are a good therapeutic approach to the problem, also in the elderly. To support this opinion, the Authors show the results obtained with the use of Simvastatin in a group of old patients.