Community screening for hypercholesterolemia.
This study focused on a cholesterol screening and education program conducted in Scottsdale, Arizona, to determine the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among the volunteer participants, and whether such a program motivates lifestyle changes and physician follow-up. The study also examined whether participants used the program to monitor known hypercholesterolemia. During the 6-month program, 1228 individuals were screened. Of these, 29% had a previous history of elevated cholesterol and 5% were on cholesterol-lowering medication. Of the group with no previous history of hypercholesterolemia, 41% had cholesterol levels higher than 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) and 10% had levels higher than 6.21 mmol/L (240 mg/dL). A subgroup of 120 persons with levels higher than 6.21 mmol/L (240 mg/dL) were contacted 4 to 6 months after the screening. Most of this group reported improvement in diet and exercise patterns, and 58% had consulted a physician. These results suggest that people with known hypercholesterolemia are using community screening programs to monitor their own cholesterol levels, and that such programs identity new high-risk individuals. Program participants appear to change diet and exercise patterns and to seek physician follow-up.
Bell
M M
MM
Family Practice Center, Scottsdale, AZ 85281.
Joseph
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001130:Arizona / Q000453:epidemiology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence
D002784:Cholesterol