Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in a national worksite sample

We conducted a screening for serum cholesterol levels at 41 locations of a large manufacturing company to determine baseline serum cholesterol levels in a workplace population. Locations were based on volunteerism. We conducted screenings at the worksite with individuals voluntarily participating on company time. Fifty percent of eligible employees participated in the screening. Using National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines, we identified 17.6% of employees as hypercholesterolemic (greater than or equal to 240 mg/dL), and another 30.2% were at borderline high risk. Total serum cholesterol increased with age and was higher in men than in women. Total cholesterol was significantly associated with age, sex, marital status, and education, but not with occupational status.