Symptoms of High Cholesterol in Adults & Care

Causes of High Cholesterol in Seniors

High cholesterol in seniors can result from a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and age-related factors. Here are some most common causes that can contribute to high cholesterol in old adults:

1. Unhealthy Lifestyle

• Eating foods rich in unhealthy fats (saturated fats, trans fats, etc.)

• Not following a physically active life

• Excessive smoking or drinking

2. Genetic & Family History

• Familial hypercholesterolemia or other genetic factors can cause high cholesterol regardless of diet and exercise.

• Family history of heart disease or high cholesterol increases risk, especially in older age.

3. Existing Medical Conditions

If a senior is already diagnosed with certain ailments, they are more prone to high cholesterol issues. These diseases are:

• Chronic kidney and/or liver ailments

• Diabetes

• HIV infection

• Lupus erythematosus

• Hypothyroidism

• Being overweight or obese

• Sleep apnea

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

4. Certain Medications

Medications for the following conditions can also increase the risk of high cholesterol:

• Acne (retinoid treatments)

• HIV infection (steroids)

• High blood pressure (diuretics)

• Organ transplantation procedures (immunosuppressants)

• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

• Cancer (chemotherapy treatments)

• Angina relief (beta blockers)

5. Weight Gain or Obesity

• Ageing is often associated with slower metabolism, which can lead to weight gain if diet and activity levels are not adjusted accordingly. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, contributes to higher cholesterol levels.

Usually, people don’t exhibit any symptoms of high cholesterol. If you fall under these risk categories, it is wise to get yourself tested to check your cholesterol levels.

Health Risks Associated with High Cholesterol

While the health risks associated with high cholesterol are not very serious when you are in your 70s and 80s, it is good to be aware of these cholesterol-induced health risks:

Angina -

Commonly known as chest pain, this condition could signal the presence of an underlying issue like coronary artery disease.

Heart attack -

occurs when the blood supply to the heart is completely stopped due to the formation of a blood clot in the artery.

Stroke -

When the blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked due to a blood clot, it can lead to a stroke. A part of your body gets paralysed due to the discontinuation of the blood supply.

How To Manage Cholesterol Levels In Older Adults?

A) Lifestyle Modification

Some lifestyle changes that can help manage cholesterol are:

• Including lots of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts in your daily diet

• Reducing the consumption of sugar, sodium intake, saturated fats and trans fats

• Including foods rich in healthy fats (nuts, oily fish, olive oil, etc.)

• Managing your weight properly

• Sleeping well (at least 7 hours every night)

• Quitting or reducing smoking and drinking

• Doing physical exercises daily for 30 minutes for five days a week

B) Medications and Treatment Options

High cholesterol issues are treated on a case-to-case basis. There is not one permanent solution to solve this condition. The usual medications and treatment options for managing high cholesterol are:

• Statins - to block the cholesterol production in the liver

• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors - help lower the cholesterol absorption in the blood

• Bempedoic acid - Acts like statins but without the side effects

• Bile acid sequestrants - Uses additional cholesterol to increase the production of bile acids

• PCSK9 inhibitors - Increases the absorption of LDL cholesterol in the liver

Conclusion

While high cholesterol can cause many health issues, these risks are not very serious for older adults. Doctors always follow a customised approach when treating high cholesterol in seniors. Cases of drug interactions causing serious side effects are more as people reach their 70s and 80s. In most cases, mild medications and healthy lifestyle changes are prescribed to reduce the risk of high cholesterol in older adults.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on June 12, 2025