The risk groups for coronary heart disease in Koreans. Assessment by distribution of serum lipid concentrations

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Epidemiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a severe manifestation of atherosclerosis, strongly linked to serum lipid profiles.
• Understanding lipid concentrations in diverse populations is crucial for assessing CHD risk.
• Atherosclerosis progression is influenced by lipid metabolism and genetic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of dyslipoproteinemias in the Korean population.
• To establish age- and sex-specific reference ranges for serum lipids.
• To assess the need for intervention based on established guidelines for hypercholesterolemia.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels in 69,563 Korean adults.
• Calculation of means, standard deviations, and percentiles stratified by age decade and sex.
• Assessment of dyslipoproteinemia prevalence and comparison with National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.

Main Results:

• Mean serum total cholesterol: 5.02 mmol/l; LDL-C: 3.00 mmol/l; Triglyceride: 1.58 mmol/l; HDL-C: 1.30 mmol/l.
• Hyperlipoproteinemia type IV (4.8%) was most common, followed by Type IIa (4.6%).
• 4.1% required drug therapy and 10.8% dietary therapy for hypercholesterolemia.

Conclusions:

• Dyslipoproteinemias are prevalent in the Korean population, posing a significant risk for coronary heart disease.
• Established guidelines indicate a substantial need for hypercholesterolemia management.
• Age- and sex-specific treatment guidelines are recommended for early intervention in Korean adults to combat atherosclerosis.