1. What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly, but too much can build up in your blood vessels over time.

This build-up can form "plaques" in the artery walls. These plaques can narrow the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Did you know?

High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms by itself. Many people feel completely normal, which is why regular check-ups and blood tests are important.

2. Why high cholesterol matters more in older adults

High cholesterol matters at any age, but in older adults:

Arteries may have already had many years of wear and tear
Other conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) can add to the risk
Heart and blood vessel disease may already be present
Some cholesterol medicines may cause more side effects in older adults

For older adults

Your provider often looks at your overall risk of heart and blood vessel problems, not just your cholesterol numbers alone. Your treatment plan is personalized to you.

3. How doctors usually treat high cholesterol

Health-care providers often consider:

Your cholesterol test results (such as LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
Your age and overall health
Whether you have had a heart attack, stroke, or other heart disease
Whether you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions
All the medications you already take

Treatment often includes:

Heart-healthy eating

Food patterns that support heart health

Physical activity

As safely as you are able

Medications

To lower cholesterol and reduce risk

Regular monitoring

Blood tests to track progress

Important

This website does not tell you whether you personally should be on cholesterol medicine. Only your doctor or nurse practitioner can decide that with you.

4. Common types of cholesterol-lowering medicines in older adults

Health-care providers may choose from several types of medications:

Statins

Commonly used to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and reduce heart attack and stroke risk

Ezetimibe

Sometimes added if statins alone are not enough or not well tolerated

Other newer medications

Used in certain higher-risk situations

For older adults

Each medication type has its own possible benefits and side effects. In older adults, providers pay special attention to muscle symptoms, liver tests, and drug interactions.

5. Possible side effects older adults may notice

Not everyone has side effects. If side effects occur, they can often be managed. Watch for:

Muscle aches, weakness, or cramps that are new or getting worse

Unusual tiredness or weakness

Dark-coloured urine (tea- or cola-coloured)

Stomach upset or changes in appetite

New confusion or changes in thinking (should be discussed)

Do not stop on your own

Do not stop your cholesterol medication on your own unless your provider tells you to. Stopping suddenly may raise your risk of heart or stroke problems, especially if you already have heart disease.

6. Habits and lifestyle that may help

Many heart-health guidelines suggest that certain daily habits can help improve cholesterol along with medications, when appropriate.

Food and eating patterns

Include vegetables and fruits most days
Choose high-fibre foods more often (whole grains, beans, lentils, many fruits and vegetables)
Choose healthier fats more often (for example, olive or canola oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish) when safe and affordable
Limit foods very high in saturated fats (some processed meats, high-fat baked goods, deep-fried foods)

Movement and activity

Gentle activities such as walking or water exercises can help heart health, if safe
Balance and strength exercises can help maintain independence and reduce falls
Short, frequent periods of safe movement may be more realistic than long workouts

Always ask first

Ask your health-care provider what types and amounts of movement are safe for you, especially if you have heart, joint, or balance problems. Do not make big changes to your diet or exercise without checking first.

7. When to call your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist

(Non-urgent)

Contact your health-care provider or pharmacist if:

You have new or worsening muscle pain, weakness, or cramps after starting or changing a cholesterol medication
You feel more tired or weak than usual without a clear reason
You notice dark urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin
You are starting a new prescription, over-the-counter medicine, or herbal product and are unsure if it is safe
You are unsure whether you should continue or stop a cholesterol medication after a new diagnosis or hospital stay

8. When to call 911 or go to the emergency department

Call 911 immediately if:

You have chest pain or pressure that does not go away
You have sudden trouble breathing
You have signs of a stroke (sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or severe headache)

If possible, do not drive yourself. Ask someone to call for you or call an ambulance.

9. Questions to ask your doctor or nurse practitioner

You can print these questions and bring them to your next appointment:

Why do you recommend a cholesterol medication for me (or not)?

What are my cholesterol numbers, and what do they mean for my age?

How does this medication help lower my risk of heart attack or stroke?

What side effects should I watch for, especially as an older adult?

Are there changes in food or activity that you recommend for me?

How do this medication and my other heart or blood pressure medicines work together?

How often should we recheck my cholesterol levels?

🫀 High Cholesterol in Older Adults