Management of High Cholesterol in Older Adults

tips to manage high cholesterol in older adults

Key highlights or summary

  • High blood cholesterol is common in older adults and usually does not cause any signs or symptoms.
  • Most people come to know of their high cholesterol levels only during a routine health checkup.
  • There can be several causes for high cholesterol in older adults, including unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and other health conditions and medications.
  • The treatment for high cholesterol in older adults is usually a combination of lifestyle changes and medications.

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Frequently asked questions

Get the information you need.

High cholesterol is an elevated level of cholesterol in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, particularly as the body ages.

Causes can include poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, genetics, and other underlying health conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
 

Management includes adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and, if necessary, taking prescribed medications.

Foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol, such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, and full-fat dairy products, should be limited or avoided.

Yes, regular physical activity can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, raise HDL (good) cholesterol, and improve overall heart health. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are beneficial.