OBJECTIVES: To summarize and critically review clinical trial data regardin
g dyslipidemia as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and the ef
ficacy and safety of lipid-lowering interventions in older adults. Based on
these data, clinical recommendations for diagnosing and managing dyslipide
mia in older adults are provided.
METHODS: Peer-reviewed journal articles were identified by a MEDLINE search
and a review of journal article references. Studies that were performed ex
clusively in subjects older than 65 years or that included a large subgroup
of older adults were included.
CONCLUSIONS: Elevated low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels
are independent risk factors for CHD events in patients aged older than 65
years. Older adults have a higher risk of mortality attributable to hyperch
olesterolemia. Diet and lipid-lowering medications safely and, effectively
lower cholesterol levels in this age group. Exercise increases high-density
lipoprotein cholesterol levels and decreases triglyceride levels. If accom
panied by weight loss, exercise may reduce low-density lipoprotein and tota
l cholesterol levels. Improving lipid levels in older adults with CHD decre
ases the risk of future coronary events by up to 45%, and significant effec
ts on outcome measures may be observed within 2 years of the initiation of
therapy.