Ghandehari H, Kamal-Bahl S, Wong ND |
Prevalence and extent of dyslipidemia and recommended lipid levels in US adults with and without cardiovascular comorbidities: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004 |
Am Heart J 2008 Jul; 156(1):112-9 |
BACKGROUND: |
METHODS: We analyzed data from adults aged > or =20 who had fasted for 8 or more hours (n = 2,883, weighted to a US population of 128.5 million) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. The number of adults at National Cholesterol Education Program recommended levels for LDL-C, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and combined lipids, stratified by sex, age group, ethnicity, and the presence of CVD comorbidities was determined. |
RESULTS: Although 85% to 89% of persons without CVD or related comorbidities were at recommended levels for LDL-C, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides, only 36% to 37% of those with CVD or related comorbidities were at recommended levels for LDL-C and non-HDL-C, and only 17% were at recommended levels for all lipids. Treated persons compared with those untreated had significantly lower LDL-C (112.3 vs 156.7 mg/dL, P < .001) and non-HDL-C levels (145.9 vs 188.7 mg/dL, P < .001), but similar HDL-C (52.0 vs 50.1 mg/dL, P = .09) and triglyceride (160.1 vs 148.7 mg/dL, P = .20) levels. |
CONCLUSIONS: Despite improved LDL-C levels, many adults, especially with CVD or related comorbidities, are not at recommended levels for all lipids. Improved treatment efforts to target the spectrum of dyslipidemia are needed. |