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Body mass and weight as indicators for cholesterol screening
B A Majeroni1, G Smallen, M E Crawford
1Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo 14215.
The Journal of Family Practice
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Universal cholesterol screening is recommended but not widely implemented. This study found no link between obesity and elevated cholesterol levels, indicating screening should be offered universally, regardless of weight, to identify patients needing intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Clinical Practice Research
Background:
- Universal screening for serum cholesterol in adults is recommended but not consistently achieved.
- Investigated factors influencing cholesterol screening rates.
- Examined the relationship between obesity and elevated cholesterol levels in a clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine factors affecting cholesterol screening rates.
- To assess if obese patients have higher cholesterol levels compared to non-obese patients.
- To inform strategies for improving cholesterol screening adherence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 604 adult patients.
- Data collected included height, weight, race, sex, and diagnoses of hypertension or diabetes.
- Assessed for evidence of serum cholesterol screening.
Main Results:
- Only 32% of adult patients had cholesterol measurements.
- No correlation was observed between weight or body mass index and cholesterol levels.
- Patients with hypertension or diabetes were screened more frequently; sex and race did not impact screening rates.
Conclusions:
- Obesity (weight or BMI) was not associated with elevated serum cholesterol in this patient population.
- Universal cholesterol screening is necessary, irrespective of patient obesity levels.
- Screening should be offered broadly to identify all patients who could benefit from intervention.