Hypercholesterolaemia in a rural white population and its relationship with other coronary risk factors

Abstract

The risk factor and dietary associations of hypercholesterolaemia were analysed. Twenty per cent of the 6332 respondents aged 20 - 64 years in the Coronary Risk Factor Study (CORIS) were considered hypercholesterolaemic (i.e. above the 80th percentile). In this sample only 13,4% of men and 6,7% of women were on treatment, and only 32,7% and 37,1% respectively had 'desirable' high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolaemia was significantly associated with a personal or family history of coronary heart disease, hypertension, smoking, obesity and. hyperuricaemia. Analysis of the dietary intakes of a 15% subsample of the total population revealed no significant differences between high- and lowrisk subjects in intake of dietary fats and cholesterol. However, high-risk subjects consumed significantly more animal protein and significantly less dietary fibre than those with a low cholesterol level. These findings reflect a subpopulation at high risk of coronary heart disease. Their risk can be reduced to some extent by population strategies towards healthier lifestyles; ultimately the high-risk individuals have to be identified and appropriately treated. 

S Afr Med J 1990; 78: 85-88