Pharmacological Management of Hyperlipidemia in Older individuals

Laura V Tsu1, Kacey Carroll2, Katee Kindler3

  • 11Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California.

Insights

Managing hyperlipidemia in older adults is crucial for preventing complications. Statins are primary treatments, with other medications available for those who cannot tolerate them.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Hyperlipidemia is prevalent in the elderly.
  • Limited clinical outcome data exists for older adults compared to the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review current hyperlipidemia guidelines.
  • Discuss pharmacotherapeutic management in older individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a PubMed search up to October 2020.
  • Included keywords: older adults, hyperlipidemia, statin, ezetimibe, fibrate, fish oil, niacin, bile acid sequestrant, and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor.
  • Assessed original research, reviews, and guidelines for relevance and completeness.

Main Results:

  • Statins demonstrate the most evidence for cardiovascular disease prevention in older adults.
  • Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors can be used as monotherapy or add-on treatment for statin-intolerant patients.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal hyperlipidemia management in the elderly is vital for better outcomes.
  • Pharmacists play a key role in improving elderly hyperlipidemia management through education and guideline adherence.
Abstract

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