Progress in Lipid Management

U.S. data reveal continuous improvement in population-wide lipid levels over the past 20 years.

To assess recent trends in mean total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride levels, investigators examined data from three U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys: 1988–1994, 1999–2002, and 2007–2010. The analysis included nearly 38,000 adults aged 20 and older.

Over the 22 years of surveillance, changes in mean serum lipid levels were as follows:

Total cholesterol fell from 206 mg/dL to 196 mg/dL.
LDL fell from 129 mg/dL to 116 mg/dL.
HDL rose from 51.7 mg/dL to 52.5 mg/dL.
Triglycerides fell from 118 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL.

Of note, a significant sex difference in LDL levels in earlier surveys was no longer present in the most recent survey. The investigators also found an increa…

Reviewing Author

Joanne Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

Joanne Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

Progress in Lipid Management

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Reviewing Author