High- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: correlates in an older population

A predominantly upper-middle-class white population of 279 men and 345 women with an average age of 66 years was evaluated to determine correlates of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL and LDL), since these may be the only cholesterol measurements predictive of cardiovascular disease after age 50. Associations of HDL and LDL with age, alcohol use, obesity, smoking, diet, exercise, and medication use were examined using multiple linear regression. Alcohol, average and above-average exercise, postmenopausal estrogen use (women), B vitamin intake, and corticosteroid use were all positively related to HDL levels, and obesity (men only), cigarette smoking, and thyroid hormone use were inversely related. The only statistically significant correlates of LDL were an increase with age (women only) and lower levels in women using thyroid hormone. However, the associations of several behavioral variables with LDL, although not statistically significant, were in the expected direction. These results may suggest the continuing potential for preventive intervention even in an elderly population.