[Dietary intervention and plasma cholesterol level in electricity workers].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of the diet on plasma cholesterol level above 200 mg/dL and to relate these values to age and occupation at the CPFL (Electricity Supply Company).


METHODS
The participants were divided into 3 different groups (A, B and C), according to total cholesterol (TC): < 200 mg/dL (A), > or = 200 mg/dL and < 239 mg/dL (B) and > or = 240 mg/dL (C). Between 1983 and 1991, 688 workers of the company between 21 and 60 years, underwent dosages of TC with diet orientation: those having TC > 200 mg/dL, were identified in groups B and C. In addition to that, the participants were grouped according to their functions at the company. The TC level was dosed by Huang's modified colorimetric method.


RESULTS
The mean TC level was 206 mg/dL. The nondiet group presented mean TC of 168 +/- 22.9 mg/dL in 1983 and 192 +/- 27.4 mg/dL in 1991 significantly higher compared to the initial value. Groups B and C, under standard diet, presented mean TC levels of 218 +/- 11.2 mg/dL and 266 +/- 22.5 mg/dL in 1983, respectively, 211 +/- 25.2 mg/dL and 229 +/- 34.4 mg/dL in 1991, with a significant decrease over time (p < 0.0001). In the working status, the managers presented mean TC values significantly higher than other occupations.


CONCLUSIONS
The mean TC level of 206 mg/dL is considered high for Brazilians, and the distribution curve is similar to the American. The response to the standard diet was efficient, decreasing the TC in workers with values > 200 g/dL. Managers presented higher TC levels in relation to other functions, in addition to older age and different job conditions.
Ciorlia
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LA
Companhia Paulista de Força e Luz, Regional de São José do Rio Preto, SP.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011210:Power Plants; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005227:Fatty Acids; D002784:Cholesterol