Strategies for using university health services for cholesterol screening

Seven hundred seventy students, parents, and employees participated in free cholesterol screenings during key promotional events at Central Michigan University between 1989 and 1992. Participants were self-selected volunteers who wanted to know their cholesterol levels. More than one third of the participants (32.4% of the students, 38.0% of the parents, and 54.3% of the employees) were found to have borderline or high cholesterol readings that put them at risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) because of hypercholesterolemia. The screening may have attracted subjects with a family history of CAD or other risk factors, and these individuals need follow-up lipid profiles and cholesterol education. The authors provide a description of the innovative approaches of their program and offer suggestions for promotional cholesterol screening programs.