Is the treatment of hyperlipidemia as secondary prevention adequate in different age groups in Israel?
BACKGROUND
Treatment of hyperlipidemia is important for secondary prevention in patients suffering from coronary heart disease. It has been proven that "young elderly" (patients aged 65-75 years) can benefit from the treatment at least as much as younger patients.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the adequacy of treatment as part of secondary prevention in "young elderly" and younger patients.


METHODS
In this prospective study, 389 patients discharged from the hospital with the diagnosis of coronary heart disease were divided according to age groups. Data were collected regarding lipid profile examinations, dietary and drug therapy, and results of lipid profiles.


RESULTS
Less than one-third of the patients achieved target low density lipoprotein levels. More patients in the older age group achieved the treatment goals. The goals were achieved despite the fact that the percentage of patients treated with lipid-lowering drugs was lower in the older age group.


CONCLUSIONS
The percentage of patients treated for hyperlipidemia as part of a secondary prevention plan in Israel is similar to that in other developed countries. The fact that more "young elderly" patients achieve adequate lipid profiles compared to younger patients indicates that there is no age discrimination towards this patient group. The finding that less than one-third of the patients reach the treatment goals should prompt physicians to treat hyperlipidemia more aggressively.
Shilo
Lotan
L
Clinical Pharmacology Service and Department of Medicine, Meir Hospital, Kfar Saba, Israel. lotansh@post.tau.ac.il
Feldman
Jacob
J
Gendlman
Veronica
V
Shenkman
Louis
L
Berner
Yitshal N
YN
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D007557:Israel; D008019:Life Style; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors
D008055:Lipids