Altered cardiovascular risk pattern of LDL cholesterol in older adults

Maarten Pieter Rozing*, Rudi G.J. Westendorp

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose of reviewElevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at middle-age constitute a strong risk factor for later cardiovascular events. In older populations, however, LDL-C levels are no longer predictive of cardiovascular mortality or may even seem protective. Whether the altered risk pattern of LDL-C in old age reflects a causal mechanism or is due to confounding and bias is subject to debate. In this review, we briefly discuss the possible explanations for the altered risk pattern of LDL-C observed in old age.Recent findingsUsing examples from the recent literature we illustrate how LDL-C levels 'lose' their predictive value as a cardiovascular risk factor in old age. We review three potential explanations for the changed cardiovascular risk pattern of LDL-C in older populations: survivorship bias, reverse causation, and effect modification.SummaryThe absent or protective effect of LDL-C on cardiovascular mortality in older populations found in observational studies might be explained by survivorship bias, reverse causation, and effect modification. However, this does not necessarily preclude the possibility that (specific) cholesterol-lowering treatment could decrease the risk of morbidity and mortality. Placebo-controlled trials may importantly add to our understanding of who may benefit from lipid-lowering therapy or statins at an older age. copy;

Original languageEnglish
JournalCurrent Opinion in Lipidology
Volume34
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)22-26
Number of pages5
ISSN0957-9672
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • cardiovascular
  • cholesterol
  • lipid-lowering therapy

Cite this