Description of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Levels and the Risk of Atherosclerosis in Patient Aged>50 Years

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive disease that remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with a sharply increased risk in individuals over 50 years of age. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as "good cholesterol" that plays a role in protecting blood vessels through reverse cholesterol transport, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. However, the association between HDL levels and atherosclerosis risk in the older age group still requires further understanding. To describe the profile of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and atherosclerosis risk in patients aged >50 years at RS QIM Batang. This descriptive study used secondary data from medical records of 25 patients aged >50 years who underwent lipid profile examination. Samples were selected using purposive sampling technique. Analyzed data included total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL levels, as well as the LDL/HDL ratio, presented in the form of frequency distribution tables, percentag kues, and descriptive statistical values. HDL levels of the subjects ranged from 7–57 mg/dL, with a mean of 37.2 mg/dL. A total of 56% of patients had normal HDL levels, 36% had low levels, and only 8% had high levels. The mean LDL level was 115.0 mg/dL, with 80% of patients within the normal limit, while the mean LDL/HDL ratio reached 3.2. Total cholesterol levels ranged from 95–257 mg/dL (mean 191.9 mg/dL) and triglycerides from 63–630 mg/dL (mean 222.6 mg/dL). Most patients aged >50 years had normal HDL levels, yet more than one third showed decreased HDL levels, which may increase atherosclerosis risk. The mean LDL/HDL ratio also indicates a tendency toward a relatively high risk in this age group.