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Management of dyslipidemia in the elderly population

Freij A Gobal1, Jawahar L Mehta

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Physiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA.

Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease
|October 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

As the global elderly population grows, coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of death. This review examines dyslipidemia

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • The global elderly population is expanding, increasing the prevalence of age-related health concerns.
  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) persists as a primary cause of mortality in older adults, despite advances in treatment.
  • Dyslipidemia is a significant, established risk factor contributing to the development of CHD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of dyslipidemia in the pathogenesis of CHD among the elderly.
  • To analyze age-related alterations in lipoprotein metabolism, noting sex-specific differences.
  • To summarize current research, ATP III recommendations, and clinical considerations for managing dyslipidemia in older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on dyslipidemia, aging, and coronary heart disease.
  • Analysis of age-related changes in lipoprotein metabolism and lipid profiles in elderly men and women.
  • Examination of ATP III guidelines and therapeutic strategies for managing dyslipidemia in the aging population.

Main Results:

  • Dyslipidemia significantly contributes to CHD pathogenesis in the elderly.
  • Lipoprotein metabolism undergoes distinct age-related changes, with variations observed between sexes.
  • Current therapeutic recommendations and management strategies require specific consideration for elderly patients.

Conclusions:

  • Dyslipidemia is a critical factor in CHD among the growing elderly population.
  • Understanding age- and sex-specific lipid changes is essential for effective CHD prevention and management.
  • Screening and therapeutic interventions for dyslipidemia in the elderly necessitate careful evaluation of costs, benefits, and side effects.

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