High Cholesterol Question: How Should Age and Health Status Influence Efforts to Lower Cholesterol?

I’m 85 years old and in very good health, but I have high cholesterol. Should I be worried?

I wouldn’t be concerned about high cholesterol at your age unless you know your arteries are blocked or you have serious heart disease. In fact, I don’t prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs for my elderly patients who have high cholesterol, but no heart disease and no symptoms. (See my recommendations about who should consider taking conventional medications to lower cholesterol levels.)

The bottom line is: If you’re 85, in good shape, and have high cholesterol, your rule of thumb for prevention should be to follow my core program to lower cholesterol levels, which includes adopting my Pan-Asian Mediterranean (PAM) diet, taking targeted nutritional supplements, and sticking with a sensible exercise routine.

WATCH: Does Family History of High Cholesterol Put You at Higher Risk of Heart Disease?

Learn More From Dr. Sinatra

• Read more questions and answers about cholesterol.
• Read more questions and answers on all topics.