Is elevated serum cholesterol level a risk factor for coronary heart disease in the elderly?

Article Abstract:

Elevated cholesterol in the blood has been established as a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, the accumulation of plaques in the arteries, and coronary heart disease (CHD). Few studies have evaluated the risk factors for CHD in the elderly and most of the research on CHD risk has used middle-aged subjects. Some of the studies that have been performed on the elderly suggest that some major risk factors associated with CHD in middle-aged patients, such as high total blood cholesterol and smoking, are not as predictive or influential in older persons. These studies have prompted some physicians to avoid suggesting behavioral changes, such as a low cholesterol diet, to their elderly patients. This issue needs thorough evaluation because atherosclerosis usually worsens with age. A study of 1,480 men aged 65 years and older was conducted in Hawaii; they were free of CHD upon enrollment and were followed for approximately 12 years. Of the 1,480 subjects, 136 developed CHD during the study. The subjects were divided into four quartiles based on their blood cholesterol; the incidence of CHD was found to increase progressively from the lowest to highest cholesterol quartile. Elevated blood cholesterol raised CHD risk and was independent of other risk factors in these older men. In conclusion, high blood cholesterol levels in the elderly warrant the same attention and treatment given to middle-aged patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Blood cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, Hypercholesterolemia, Age factors in disease, Disease age factors, Aged men, Elderly men

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Lipoprotein(a): a genetic risk factor for premature coronary heart disease

Article Abstract:

Lipoprotein(a) is a form of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood that contains the proteins apolipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B-100. Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Apolipoprotein(a) resembles plasminogen, and may inhibit the body's ability to break down blood clots. It may also be involved in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaques that cause coronary artery disease. Individuals who have a family history of coronary artery disease but normal cholesterol levels should have their lipoprotein(a) measured. Unfortunately, there are few reliable tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration. There are few effective treatments for elevated lipoprotein(a), although omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and the drug gemfibrozil may be useful. Lipoprotein(a) can be removed from the blood in a process similar to dialysis, but the technique is expensive and not widely available.

Physiological aspects, Hyperlipidemia, Lipoprotein A

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Periodontal Disease and Coronary Heart Disease Risk

Article Abstract:

Neither periodontal disease nor gingivitis increase the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a study of 8,032 people. Periodontal disease and gingivitis are gum diseases.

Periodontal disease, Periodontal diseases, Gingivitis

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