Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in the adult population of Castile-Leon (Spain)

Objective: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the cardiovascular risk factors more sensitive to preventive and control interventions. This study aims to determine the epidemiological pattern of dyslipidemic people in Castilla y Leon. Methods: A representative stratified two-stage sample of the population resident in Castilla y Leon (Spain) was obtained. A total of 4,013 people age 15 years and older were interviewed. Cardiovascular disease related variables were gathered from clinical records and medical examination. Total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides were measured. Results: Total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and triglycerides increase with age and, all but total cholesterol present gender differences. LDL-c and triglycerides are higher in men than in women under the age of 60, and lower from that age on, while HDL-c is always higher in women. Total cholesterol was >= 250 mg/dl in 14.6% of the sample and >= 200 mg/dl in the 56.3%. Only 49.6% of people with total cholesterol >= 250 mg/dl had been diagnosed and only 15.2% were under treatment. Age-adjusted total cholesterol was positively correlated with all cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, over 70% of the population presented, at least, one cardiovascular risk factor. Conclusions: The results above shows high levels of total cholesterol and LDL-c, low levels of HDL-c in males and the under diagnosis in clinical records. The association between hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular risk factors is similar to previous studies. (C) 2009 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.