[Lipid lowering therapy in geriatric patients].

Cardiovascular disease is also the most frequent cause of mortality in the elderly population. Invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are performed at an increasing rate in older patients in order to maintain functional capacities and, thus, an adequate quality of life. Thus, strategies to prevent cardiovascular events (e.g., lipid lowering therapy) are also of great importance in elderly. With respect to the side effects of statin therapy, the risk of drug interaction has to be considered, as well as myopathy. Discrepant study results exist about the influence of statins on cognitive function. Retrospective analyses indicate that statin therapy might be related to an increased risk for type.2 diabetes in certain risk groups. The indication for statin therapy should, therefore, consider the risk profile and especially the individual situation of the older patient.