[A serum cholesterol study in a consulting population and its implications in clinical practice]

To investigate serious cholesterol levels in the population seeking medical attention, utilising HOTH (How Often That High) graphs, and to look at implications these results have for recording of cholesterol incidence.

This was a non-longitudinal, retrospective, observational study.

Carried out at the general practice level, in the Valdefierro Basic Health Area (Zaragoza Province).

742 subjects aged between 18 and 65 years with no previous history of dyslipemia.

After obtaining the figures on cholesterolemia, the HOTH graph was drawn from which, for a given cholesterol value, the percentage of the population with a given value can be seen. The mean cholesterol value was 201 mg/dl. A total of 54% of male subjects and 40% of female subjects were situated above the threshold figure of 200 mg/dl. Furthermore, 15% of male subjects and 10% of female subjects were situated above 250 mg/dl.

The application of recording procedures for cholesterol, based on a globally discriminatory score, reveals a startling number of patients who need tests and treatment. We suggest a strategy based on the different levels according to age, sex, bloodstream cholesterol level, and the existence or otherwise of other cardiovascular risk factors. Lastly, we would mention the usefulness of the HOTH graphs in improving our knowledge of the cholesterol levels in a population.