Cholesterol management in women and the elderly.

Abstract

Women, like men, die mostly of coronary atherosclerosis, although atherosclerotic death in women occurs 5-10 years later than in men. Major risk factors predict coronary risk in women and men. What evidence is available suggests that women, similar to men, benefit from cholesterol lowering. Older individuals with symptomatic coronary disease but a relatively good prognosis should be offered the same benefits from secondary prevention as younger individuals.