[Epidemiology of hyperlipidemia in Austria]

Hyperlipidemia is the most prevalent coronary risk factor in Austria. Several Austrian expert statements classified total cholesterol levels in adults below 200 mg/dl (5.17 mmol/l) with "normal", levels from 200 to 250 mg/dl (5.17 to 6.47 mmol/l) with "risk", and levels above 250 mg/dl (6.47 mmol/l) with "high risk". Based on different epidemiological studies we estimate that 25% of Austrians have "normal" and 75% elevated total cholesterol levels (50% "risk", respectively 25% "high risk"). Methodological factors prohibit general estimates for HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides based on present data. In a randomized survey among 25- to 64-year old adults in Western Austria, prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol levels below 35 mg/dl (0.91 mmol/l) was 4.0% in men, and 1.3% in women. Prevalence of triglyceride levels above 200 mg/dl (2.29 mmol/l) was 21.5% in men and 8.0% in women.