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Posted on Nov 25, 2009, 6 a.m.
Levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol drop by one-third in the US population.
In that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol raise the risks of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes, Elena V. Kuklina, from the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC; Georgia, USA), and colleagues investigated trends in LDL levels from 1999 to 2006, dividing the years into two-year study cycles. Analyzing data collected on 7,044 subjects, ages 20 years an older, enrolled in The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the researchers found that the prevalence of high LDL levels decreased from 31.5% in 1999-2000, to 21.2% in 2005-2006, with those in the lowest-risk category in that most recent study cycle standing at 11.0%. Reporting that: “Among the NHANES population aged 20 years or older, the prevalence of high LDL-C levels decreased from 1999-2000 to 2005-2006,” the team urges all adults to have regular cholesterol screenings and engage in positive lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and events.
Elena V. Kuklina, MD, PhD; Paula W. Yoon, ScD, MPH; Nora L. Keenan, PhD. “Trends in High Levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in the United States, 1999-2006.” JAMA. 2009;302(19):2104-2110.
