[Desirable values of plasma lipids in the aged]

Plasma lipids (cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol) were evaluated in order to estimate desirable values in the aged. Plasma lipids were determined by 6 multicenters among aged people with clinically uneventful backgrounds since the values measured by the different institutions were found acceptable and comparable. Plasma cholesterol level was mostly 200 mg/dl less in males and 210 mg/dl or more in females. Plasma cholesterol levels increase after menopause. HDL-cholesterol was also higher in females than in males over 60 years of age. Triglyceride was around 100 mg/dl or less in both sexes and tended to decrease with aging. There were no significant differences in the plasma lipid levels among the cohorts. To observe the angiographical changes in the coronary arteries, 102 patients were followed for 1 or 2 years. Progression was frequently observed in the subjects with a cholesterol level of over 220 mg/dl. These results indicate that even in the aged, plasma cholesterol level below 220 mg/dl is considered to be desirable to minimize vascular events.