Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in a maritime population

The problem of hypercholesterolemia is of growing concern and public awareness. The cholesterol determinations of 567 maritime personnel, dependent upon a shipboard diet for a major portion of the year, were reviewed. Total cholesterol levels were borderline in 32.7% and high in 28.2% of the population, using definitions of the National Cholesterol Education Program. There was an age-related increase in average total cholesterol levels. The levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in this population are also reported where available. The opportunities for intervention in this population are unique, as are the potential impediments to intervention.