[Epidemiology of atherosclerosis and disorders of lipid metabolism]

Austrian age-standardized myocardial infarction (MI) death rates are in international mid range. While total mortality in Austria has decreased 20% since 1969, MI mortality rates have been stable. 1985/86 daily food consumption is about 13,000 kJ (3,100 kcal) per capita. It consists of 46% lipids (157 g), 42% carbohydrates (315 g) and 12% proteins (92 g). Daily animal fat consumption is 105 g, vegetable fat consumption is 52 g, P/S-ratio is 0.34. Alcohol consumption provides additionally 992 kJ (237 kcal) or 8% daily. 1974/75 the same amount of daily energy was consumed, but 41% were lipids, 47% carbohydrates and 12% proteins. To provide the basis for a nationwide programme to reduce morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction, a consensus statement of 21 leading Austrian experts was initiated in 1987. The recommendations published in June 1988 comprise guidelines for assessing and reducing cardiovascular risk. For adults aged 20 years or more total cholesterol (TC) levels below 200 mg/dl (5.17 mmol/l) are "desirable normal", TC levels from 200 to 250 mg/dl (5.17 to 6.47 mmol/l) are "risk", and TC levels above 250 mg/dl (6.47 mmol/l) are "high risk". The individual risk is determined with respect to several other variables such as LDL-C, HDL-C, family history, sex age, blood pressure, smoking habits, diabetes mellitus, oral contraceptives, and overweight. Mean TC level in Austrian adults currently is about 225 mg/dl (5.82 mmol/l), 25% have total cholesterol levels above 250 mg/dl (6.47 mmol/l) and 7% above 300 mg/dl (7.76 mmol/l).