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Cholesterol and cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Facts and gaps

Francisco J Félix-Redondo1, Maria Grau, Daniel Fernández-Bergés

  • 1Centro de Salud Villanueva Norte, Servicio Extremeño de Salud, Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, Spain.

Aging and Disease
|June 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is a key heart disease risk. This review examines cholesterol

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolemia is a significant cardiovascular risk factor in adults, potentially impacting atherosclerotic disease incidence.
  • The association between hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease is less established in the elderly population.
  • Statins are proven effective in reducing myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death across age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review observational studies and clinical trials on cholesterol and cardiovascular disease in the elderly.
  • To summarize the benefits and drawbacks of statin therapy in older adults.
  • To inform therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention in the elderly.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature.
  • Inclusion of observational studies and randomized clinical trials.
  • Focus on studies investigating cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and statin use in elderly patients.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests statins may offer benefits in the elderly, but data is less robust than in younger adults.
  • Potential benefits include reduction in cardiovascular events, but risks must be considered.
  • Current recommendations for the elderly are often extrapolated from younger adult studies.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the benefits and risks of statins in the elderly.
  • Personalized approaches to statin therapy in older adults may be warranted.
  • Balancing cardiovascular risk reduction with potential adverse effects is crucial for elderly patients.

Keywords:
agedcardiovascular diseasecoronary artery diseasehypercholesterolemiaperipheral arterial diseasestroke

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