Over 60 with high LDL? : So what?

Posted on Dec 12, 2016Oct 17, 2016 by kaitiscotland

If you are over the age of 60 it’s time to stop fretting about your total cholesterol and low density cholesterol levels. Unless perhaps the levels are on the low side. Indeed total mortality rates are at least the same and usually better if your cholesterol levels are high. Many doctors now believe it is the PATTERN of different lipid levels that is much more important, particularly high triglycerides and low HDL.

This systematic review tells the story:

Lack of an association or an inverse association between low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in the elderly: a systematic review — Ravnskov et al. 6 (6) — BMJ Open

BMJ Open 2016;6:e010401 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010401

Published by kaitiscotland

I am a Scottish doctor who is working to improve the outcomes for people who have diabetes using a low carb diet, and advanced insulin techniques when necessary. Professionally I provide expert witness reports in the clinical forensic and family medicine areas and I also provide complementary therapies. I enjoy cooking, cinema, reading, travel and cats. View all posts by kaitiscotland

3 thoughts on “Over 60 with high LDL? : So what?”

Sandra Dec 12, 20165:24 pm Reply

That’s reassuring!

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Rick Phillips Dec 13, 20161:41 am Reply

My doctor has set my cholesterol values so strict that it is a little scary. I do love the doctor but darn. Perhaps she will read the BMJ.

This item has been referred to the TUDiabetes Blog page for the week of December 12, 2016.

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chris c Dec 13, 201610:45 am Reply

Since the PCT was replaced by a CCG and the Practice Manager was replaced by a human. my GP seems much more able to concern herself with health rather than following rules and ticking boxes.

Which is good, she had no argument with deleting statins from my repeat prescription since I decided it was pointless taking them at my age, I probably need all the LDL I can get and since my HDL is reasonable and my trigs very low I am confident it is the good stuff.

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