Dyslipidemia, a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, is characterized by an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood and can be managed by several lipid lowering agents including fibrates, nicotinic acid, ezetimibe, and statins.4 The most effective and commonly prescribed lipid lowering agents to date are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. Lipid lowering agents have been prescribed in decreasing frequency in older adults due to a perceived lack of evidence for benefit and safety concerns. Since the CVD burden is so great in this population, there is substantial potential for lipid lowering treatments to provide benefit in this population. This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of lipid lowering agents for stroke prevention in elderly patients to provide an evidence base to formulate guidelines.
- Pages
- 26
- Published in
- Canada
