Dyslipidemia in Older Adults

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown in many large, randomized clinical trials to be safe and highly effective for decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thus preventing cardiovascular events and decreasing mortality in patients both with and without prior cardiovascular disease. Statins are also appropriate agents for older adults, although they remain underutilized in this population. This article uses three typical case history presentations to review the most recent clinical trial data and guidelines on statin therapy to provide practical guidance on clinical decision making for lipid-lowering therapy in the geriatric population.