Lucie Lavoie, MD, FRCP(C), Resident in Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC.
Claude Gagné, MD, Service of Lipidology, Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC.
Complications of coronary artery disease are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in older persons of both sexes. The control of risk factors may prevent, retard and reverse the evolution of atherosclerosis in older adults, as in younger persons. Thus, treatment of hypercholesterolemia should not be negated on the pretext of age. In addition to non-pharmacological approaches, pharmacological tools are available. Recently, ezetimibe, an inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, has been launched. We will discuss the usefulness and the potential place of this medication for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in the older population.
Key words: cholesterol absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis.
