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Sex difference in high density lipoprotein cholesterol in six countries
C E Davis1, D H Williams, R G Oganov
1Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Women generally have higher high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than men. This study found significant variations in this sex difference across countries, suggesting environmental factors play a role.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Lipid Metabolism
- Sociodemographic Factors in Health
Background:
- Established knowledge indicates women typically exhibit higher high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels compared to men.
- The biological underpinnings of this sex difference are often presumed to be primary drivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and biologic sex across diverse international populations.
- To explore the variability in the sex difference of HDL cholesterol levels and identify potential contributing factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 8,631 women and 10,690 men aged 45-54 years.
- Data collected from six countries between 1972 and 1989.
- Statistical adjustments for body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and heart rate.
Main Results:
- A significant variation in the sex difference for HDL cholesterol was observed across the six studied countries.
- The smallest sex difference in HDL cholesterol was noted in China (0.06 mmol/liter), while the largest was in Canada (0.40 mmol/liter).
- Adjusting for lifestyle and physiological factors reduced, but did not eliminate, the observed variability in the sex difference.
Conclusions:
- The sex difference in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels is not uniform globally.
- Environmental and cultural factors, in addition to biological determinants, likely influence HDL cholesterol levels and the sex-based disparities observed.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific environmental influences on HDL cholesterol in different populations.