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High-density lipoproteins and peripheral vascular disease in octo- and nonagenarians
Insights
Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is linked to peripheral arterial disease in older adults. This study found higher rates of arterial disease in elderly individuals with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Aging populations present unique health challenges, particularly concerning cardiovascular health.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis, affecting limb circulation.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol plays a protective role in cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the elderly.
- To assess the prevalence of PAD signs and lower-limb vascular abnormalities in relation to HDL-cholesterol subgroups.
Main Methods:
- Study included 180 unselected octogenarians and nonagenarians attending a medical service.
- Patients underwent clinical assessment, including history and physical examination.
- Noninvasive angiologic techniques were employed in 81 patients to evaluate lower-limb vessels.
Main Results:
- HDL cholesterol values in the elderly cohort were comparable to younger populations.
- Significant differences in the frequency of PAD clinical signs were observed across HDL-cholesterol subgroups.
- The lowest HDL-cholesterol group exhibited the highest prevalence of PAD signs and lower-limb vascular stenoses/occlusions.
Conclusions:
- Lower HDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease in the very elderly.
- HDL cholesterol may serve as a relevant biomarker for vascular health assessment in geriatric populations.
- Findings highlight the importance of managing lipid profiles, particularly HDL, for preventing PAD in older adults.
Abstract:
In a medical service for ambulant patients, 180 unselected octo- and nonagenarians were studied. They showed high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values similar to those reported for younger age groups. In 81 patients, a combination of various noninvasive angiologic techniques was used in addition to the history and physical examination. The frequencies of the clinical signs of peripheral arterial disease, and of stenoses and occlusions in the lower-limb vessels, differed significantly between three HDL-cholesterol subgroups, being highest in the group with the lowest HDL values.