[Elderly benefit from lower LDL-cholesterol]

In two recent publications LDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular risk in the elderly was studied. A study from Copenhagen shows that LDL-cholesterol is similar as a risk-factor for myocardial infarction in all age-groups. Due to the higher incidence of myocardial infarction with age, the number of events associated with an increased LDL is higher among the elderly. The effect of LDL reduction in the elderly was studied in a meta-analysis including statin studies as well as studies with ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors. The relative risk reduction associated with a reduction of 1 mmol/l of LDL-cholesterol was 26%, similar for patients above or below 75 years of age.  These studies emphasize that reduction of LDL should be considered also in the elderly without many comorbidities.