Prevalence of lipid risk factors for atherosclerosis in the Curacao Health Study: interactions with demographic and socio-economic variables - asbtract

ABSTRACT

The Curacao Health Study is a cross-sectional population-based study designed to give insight into the determinants of health on Curacao. This study presents prevalence data for lipid risk factors and interactions with demographic and socio-economic variables. Serum was collected from 1001 (44.5 percent) respondents included in the CHS study. These respondents were representative for all respondents. Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured and LDL-cholesterol was calculated. Cholesterol levels increased significantly in women > 50 years of age, as did LDL-cholesterol levels. HDL-cholesterol was higher in women than in men (52 ñ 13 mg/dl vs 48 ñ 15 mg/dl). Mean total and LDL-cholesterol levels were comparable to Western European and Northern American populations. Multiple regression indicated that race (Black vs non-Black) did not contribute to cholesterol levels, whereas education, living in the East District, age, and gender did. These associations need further study before definitive conclusions can be drawn. We conclude that lipid risk factors are as prevalent on Curacao as in most Western societies (AU)