Hypercholesterolaemia in a rural white population and its relationship with other coronary risk factors

The risk factor and dietary associations of hypercholesterolaemia were analysed. Twenty per cent of the 6,332 respondents aged 20-64 years in the Coronary Risk Factor Study (CORIS) were considered hypercholesterolaemic (i.e. above the 80th percentile). In this sample only 13.4% of men and 6.7% of women were on treatment, and only 32.7% and 37.1% respectively had 'desirable' high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolaemia was significantly associated with a personal or family history of coronary heart disease, hypertension, smoking, obesity and hyperuricaemia. Analysis of the dietary intakes of a 15% subsample of the total population revealed no significant differences between high- and low-risk subjects in intake of dietary fats and cholesterol. However, high-risk subjects consumed significantly more animal protein and significantly less dietary fibre than those with a low cholesterol level. These findings reflect a subpopulation at high risk of coronary heart disease. Their risk can be reduced to some extent by population strategies towards healthier lifestyles; ultimately the high-risk individuals have to be identified and appropriately treated.