Total and HDL-Cholesterol in The Netherlands: 1987–1992. Levels and Changes over Time in Relation to Age, Gender and Educational Level

Abstract

Background: To gain insight into the prevalence of and trends in plasma cholesterol levels in the general population of the Netherlands, a monitoring project was carried out from 1987 to 1992. Methods: Each year a random sample of men and women aged 20–59 years in three towns in the Netherlands was invited to participate in the study. The overall response rate was 50% for men and 57% for women and a total of almost 42 000 men and women participated. Total (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was measured and the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio was computed. Data were age-standardized to the Dutch population distribution aged 20–59 years. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia (TC >605 mmol/l) in men ranged from 5% in the youngest (20–29 years) to 29% in the oldest age group (50–59 years), and from 4% to 38% in women Low HDL-C levels (≤0.9 mmol/l) in men ranged from 15% in the youngest to 26% in the oldest age group, and in women from 4% in the youngest to 7% in the oldest age group. The lipid profile of those with a higher educational level was more favourable than that of the less educated. From 1987 to 1992, in men, TC decreased by 0.12 mmol/l, HDL-C decreased by 0.07 mmol/l and the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio increased by 0.22. In women no statistically significant changes were observed. Changes over time did not differ according to age and educational level. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemla is still high in the Netherlands During the period 1987–1992 the lipid profile worsened in men and remained stable in women.