Descriptive study of hypercholesteremia in a Vietnamese population of the Gulf coast

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of high cholesterol and related heart disease risk factors and knowledge, in a selected Vietnamese population. A convenience sample of 114 adult Vietnamese volunteers, who are living in a selected Southern Mississippi Vietnamese rural community, were tested. Only 29% scored at the low risk level for knowledge of cardiovascular health risks. High blood pressure was found in 44% of the sample, with 20% referred for medical follow-up. Of the 58% who had high total cholesterols, 65% had high HDLs, and 35% had high triglycerides. Approximately half of the sample stated that they did not see a doctor annually or on a regular basis.