Cholesterol levels in general practice

In a GP setting of 2679 patients aged over 20 years, at least one cholesterol reading was known for 529 (20%). Of 1087 lipid estimations in 10 years the average cholesterol was 6.33 (SD 1.45). All 523 were given appropriate dietary advice and 40 (18%) were also given pharmacological agent(s) as well. Of 211 patients who had more than one reading done, an overall reduction of 6.4% in cholesterol was achieved and maintained for a sustained period of 3.2 years on average.