Older Americans and Cholesterol
Yale University conducted a study that shows that individuals aged 70 and above has cholesterol levels that have accurately predicted the risk of heart disease in middle-aged individuals, "appear to have no such predictive value in the elderly".
Does age make a difference when it comes to the need to worry about Cholesterol? One might assume that because the elderly seem to get the raw deal when it comes to diseases simply because their bodies are getting older and "wearing out" that they would also be at a higher risk than younger individuals when it comes to high cholesterol. What are the true facts? Is there a relationship between age and cholesterol?
Yale University conducted a study that shows that individuals aged 70 and above has cholesterol levels that have accurately predicted the risk of heart disease in middle-aged individuals, "appear to have no such predictive value in the elderly". This could mean that with so many other health concerns after age 70, being concerned about limiting their intake of animal food and other cholesterol containing food need not be one of their concerns.
Another study, the Framingham Heart Study, also found that there was no effect of cholesterol in the elderly (70s and 80s). The study did show evidence that cholesterol tests taken at age 50 was a good way to determine if they were at risk for heart disease.
In 2001, data from a Honolulu Heart Program was reported in medical journal The Lancet, challenging the belief about low blood cholesterol being the key to reducing cardiovascular disease.
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If however, your HDL cholesterol is 40 mg/dL or lower than you add 1 risk factor for heart disease.
Even if you have low LDL and high HDL cholesterol, you may still be at risk for heart disease if your triglyceride levels are high. Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 mg/dL. To be tested for triglyceride levels you must complete a 9 - 12 hours fast. Not completing the 9 - 12 hour fast correctly could inadequately higher your triglyceride level result.
Ldl Cholesterol
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Generally, most assumptions are that because there is an association between cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events in middle-aged adults that the same is true for older Adults. Some studies support this assumption and others do not. Studies variation in conclusions may have to do with the length of study, the participant’s history of past cardiac events and risk factor variation between studies.
Another determining factor regarding age and cholesterol risk as revealed by studies is that of how extensive the study is regarding variables other than age such as prebaseline cardiovascular events and whether or not follow-up was done and how many years after the testing. American family Physician, September 1, 2005 issue reported how the Cardiovascular Health Study was conducted by Psaty and associates. This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study done in two phases. In the study, it was reported that, "Fasting lipid levels, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, collected at baseline, as were other physical and laboratory findings. Participants also underwent carotid sonography. Patients were excluded if they had prebaseline myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or congestive heart failure." During follow-up study participants were assessed by phone interview, clinic visits at 6-month intervals. Assessments identified cardiovascular events, any hospitalizations and also mortality. The follow-up lasted 7.5 years.
When determining whether or not performing cholesterol testing on older adults age 70 and above cost is one consideration. Cost to the individual and cost to the insurance company. The stress such testing does to the elderly must also be weighted when deciding if the results are conclusive enough to make testing worthwhile. The bottom line is that the patient and the doctor should make the decision regarding the need for cholesterol testing weighing all benefits against the risks.
Newest Info on Cholesterol
09/02/2010
Hospital offering cholesterol check
PORT CLINTON --The Magruder Hospital Laboratory will offer a full cholesterol check, of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar checks for $16 at 1 p.m. Thursday. For an appointment, call 419-734-3131, ext. 3420.
Hospital offering cholesterol check
09/01/2010
Genzyme, Isis: Cholesterol Drug Meets Goals In Fourth Late-stage Trial - Update
Genzyme Corp. (GENZ) and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ISIS) reported Wednesday that their investigational cholesterol-reducing drug Mipomersen met all study goals in a late-stage trial in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or heFH.
Genzyme, Isis: Cholesterol Drug Meets Goals In Fourth Late-stage Trial - Update
08/30/2010
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
BELLEVUE -- The Bellevue Hospital will provide cholesterol and blood pressure screenings at eight locations in Bellevue and Clyde in September.
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
08/30/2010
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
BELLEVUE -- The Bellevue Hospital will provide cholesterol and blood pressure screenings at eight locations in Bellevue and Clyde in September.
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
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