The National Lipid Association (NLA) and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) have released new guidelines to help doctors manage high cholesterol in adults over 75 who do not have heart disease.
Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, these guidelines were created by a team of experts, including lipidologists, cardiologists, geriatricians, and pharmacists.
As people age, their healthcare needs become more complex. Managing high cholesterol in older adults without heart disease can be tricky, and the new guidelines aim to offer clarity for both doctors and patients.
Dr. Vera Bittner, co-chair of the scientific statement, emphasized the importance of considering the diverse needs of elderly patients when making treatment decisions.
The guidelines review the current evidence on cholesterol-lowering treatments for older adults and provide practical advice for doctors. With more people over 75 living without heart disease, the decision to start or continue cholesterol-lowering medications can be difficult.
Factors like other health conditions, the risk of side effects from multiple medications, and individual patient goals all play a role in these decisions.
Dr. Sunny Linnebur, co-chair of the statement, expressed the importance of personalizing treatment for older adults, taking into account their unique healthcare needs and preferences.
These new guidelines are an essential tool for healthcare providers, helping them make informed decisions that balance the benefits of preventing heart disease with the challenges of aging and end-of-life care.
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