I am 70 years old and my wife is 67.should blood tests for cholesterol levels be included in a blood test?
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Answered by S. Leslie Tobias M.D.
The question you ask regarding the screening for elevated cholesterol in patients over the age of 65 is important. There is a significant amount of published data supporting the agrressive treatment of elevated cholesterol in this age group. My recommendation is to have a fasting lipid profile drawn and if your LDL (bad cholesterol) excedes 130 - to modify your diet and avoid saturated fats. If the LDL excedes 160 I would see your physician about a lipid lowering drug.
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