The Brisighella study: plasma lipid trend in the elderly observed over a twelve year period

Several intervention trials have shown the efficacy of a preventive strategy against cardiovascular risk factors, but in elderly the problem still remains open. In the Brisighella population, between 1972 and 1984 there was a marked increase in mean total cholesterol levels although the phenomenon was less marked amongst the elderly. The application of Multiple Logistic Function underlines the predictive role of total plasma cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. This study emphasizes the role of total plasma cholesterol in the development of coronary heart disease even in men over the age of 64. This observation strengthens the indications for preventive or therapeutic intervention, against the causal risk factor “cholesterol”, at least up to the age of 70.