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Despite widespread public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing
cholesterol, total U.S. cholesterol levels have shown little
change in the past decade, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to a survey conducted from 1999 to 2000, the average
cholesterol level among U.S. adults was 203 milligrams per
deciliter of blood (mg/dL), only two-mg/dL lower than the
previous survey.
The survey involved 4,000 people whose cholesterol levels
were compared with data from a similar 1988-1994 survey that
involved 15,000 people.
Researchers found that the age-adjusted average total cholesterol
concentration decreased from 205 mg/dL in the 1988-1994 survey
to 203 mg/dL in the 1999-2000 survey. However, between the
1998-1994 survey and the previous 1976-1980 surveys, cholesterol
levels dropped by eight mg/dL.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), total
cholesterol levels should be below 200 mg/dL, with levels
from 200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL considered borderline high. A
total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.
Also, only about 70 percent of those with total cholesterol
of at least 200 mg/dL have had their cholesterol tested, and
only 35 percent of this group knew that their cholesterol
level was higher than recommended. Among this group, 12 percent
were undergoing treatment to lower their cholesterol, according
to researchers.
High cholesterol puts people at an increased risk of heart
disease, the number-one cause of death in the United States.
Other risk factors of heart disease include smoking, excess
weight, inactivity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers were uncertain why there is a slowing trend among
declining cholesterol levels, but named less physical activity,
poor dietary habits and increasing rates of obesity as potential
reasons.
The slowing trend suggests that more efforts are necessary
to reduce total cholesterol among the U.S. population, researchers
said.
Circulation
May 2003;107
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