About this course

High LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is a known risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The association varies extensively with age, which appears to be stronger in younger than older population. As such, not all guidelines have definite recommendations for LDL-C control in the elderly population. The goal of this learning activity is to enhance health care practitioners’ knowledge about the role of LDL-C management in the elderly population and the benefits of statin therapy in people over the age of 75 in the primary prevention setting.

Learning outcomes

• Advise their elderly patients about the risk of elevated blood cholesterol
• Decide when it is appropriate to prescribe statins to their elderly patients
• Reference the evidence on these two important issues

Topics covered

• Clinical context of LDL-C as a risk factor for MI/ASCVD in the elderly
• Review of current clinical practice guidelines
• Discussion of studies on lipid control and the elderly population in the primary prevention setting
• Considerations before initiation of treatment and implications in clinical practice