Lipid profiles of older rural adults

Abstract

Age is an independent, non-modifiable risk factor for CVD, the leading cause of death in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine total cholesterol and lipoprotein sub-fractions in relation to statin use and ATP III guidelines in a sample of older adults, n= 278, 161f and 117m. Fasting blood samples and medication use were obtained at a clinic visit; 35% of the sample was using a statin. Statin users (SU) had significantly lower Total Cholesterol (TC; 176 +/− 31 vs. 202 +/− 42), HDL-cholesterol (58 +/−14 vs. 62 +/− 19), and LDLcholesterol (91 +/− 3 vs.112 +/− 35), than non-users. According to with the ATPIII guidelines, 75% of SU had TC within the ‘desirable’ range (< 200), 83% had ‘high’ HDL-cholesterol (> 60) and 69% had ‘optimal’ LDL-cholesterol (< 100); 51 % of non-SU had TC in the ‘desirable’ range, 36% in the LDL-cholesterol ‘optimal’ range, and 92% with high HDL-cholesterol values. This study indicates the use of statin drugs in older adults facilitates cholesterol and lipoprotein sub-fractions within ATP criteria. SU was not associated with higher HDL-cholesterol levels, contrary to previous research but may be reflective of decreased physical activity within this age group. Supported in part by USDA # 58-1950- 6019, NIH R21AG023179-01A1 and NIA training grant #T32AG00048.