Elderly patients at risk for coronary heart disease or stroke: selecting an ideal product for lipid lowering.

Abstract

Coronary heart disease is an affliction of the elderly: 84% of those who die from the disease are over 65 years of age. In patients over 55 years, the incidence of stroke more than doubles with each decade of life. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been shown to lower cholesterol and lipids in both middle-aged and elderly patients in large clinical trials. Some statins have been shown to improve endothelial function and vasodilation and to normalize thrombin formation, which may be among the mechanisms involved in both coronary event and stroke prevention.

• Authors: C E Rackley
• Journal: The American journal of geriatric cardiology (Am J Geriatr Cardiol) 2001 Mar-Apr Vol. 10 Issue 2 Pg. 77-82; quiz 82-4 ISSN: 1076-7460 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11253464 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Topics

• Aged
• Coronary Disease (prevention & control)
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Stroke (prevention & control)