Serum HDL cholesterol in a high coronary risk population in eastern Finland

The serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol levels and their determinants were explored in a random population sample from eastern Finland, an area with an exceptionally high mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 1792 persons aged 14-65 years were studied. Serum HDL cholesterol was determined in one series by using an enzymatic method after precipitation by dextran-magnesium chloride. The mean serum HDL cholesterol was 1.41 mmol/l in men and 1.62 mmol/l in women. Although a multivariate linear regression model explained 21% (for men) and 28% (for women) of the variation in serum total cholesterol, the same variables were able to account for only 9 and 4%, respectively, of the variation in serum HDL cholesterol. Among men, obesity and the daily consumption of tobacco products were inversely associated and the weekly consumption of beer and age were directly associated with serum HDL cholesterol and the serum HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio.