[Epidemiology of hypercholesterolemia]

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Epidemiology follows the prevalence, the incidence and the possibilities of risk factors or diseases intervention. A review of observation epidemiologic studies, pharmacotherapy and treatment perspectives is presented. The first epidemiologic studies, e.g. the Framingham Heart Study or MRFIT showed hyperlipidemia is associated with the incidence of CV disease. The North Karelia Project showed the intervention of CV risk factors is useful on population-based principles. Interventional studies with statins showed the usefulness of LDL cholesterol lowering to decrease CV morbidity and mortality and also total mortality. Anyway, the control of CV risk factors is unsatisfactory.Key words: epidemiology - hypercholesterolemia - intervention.