Reference intervals for serum lipids in coastal males from Fangchenggang

We aimed to establish the reference intervals for serum lipids in coastal residents of the Chinese male population.

A total of 1436 subjects, aged between 19 and 86 years, were selected from the Fangchenggang Area for Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES). Reference intervals of serum lipids were measured by enzymatic endpoint colorimetry and information was obtained using a standard questionnaire.

The total nonparametric reference intervals for TC < 5.95 mmol/L (229.73 mg/dL), TG < 1.80 mmol/L (158.82 mg/dL), HDL-C > 1.90 mmol/L (73.08 mg/dL), and LDL-C < 3.37 mmol/L (130 mg/dL). High serum lipid levels were correlated with older age, higher body mass index (BMI), and more smoking, but not with alcohol consumption.

The established reference intervals of serum lipids for coastal Chinese male residents would be helpful for assessing risk of cardiovascular disease. We recommend establishing population-based reference intervals for serum lipids in clinical laboratories.