According to new guidance, cholesterol-lowering medication is indicated for more people over 65 and under 45.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) set the upper level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol) at 160 mg per decilitre in 1993. Now, in the light of the latest evidence, it's been set at a lower figure of 130. This suggests that more people might benefit from cholesterol-lowering drugs.

In short, the new NCEP guidance suggests that 36 million US citizens would be eligible for medication, compared to just 15 million before. Of these, 55 per cent are male, the rest female. While 32 per cent are 56 or younger, 27 per cent are 65 or older. This actually represents an increase in the proportion of males being treated and a bigger increase in the younger, versus older, age groups.

One possible danger in the new guidelines is overtreatment, according to some experts. Doctors may become too anxious to reduce cholesterol levels by medication alone. It's important to remember than diet and exercise also play an important role. It's to be hoped that the new guidelines will be used in a positive way to decrease the incidence of heart disease in all age groups.

Source

Circulation January 14 2002