Trends in plasma lipids, lipoproteins and dyslipidaemias in French adults, 1996-2007.
BACKGROUND
In France, the reported decrease in cardiovascular death is due partly to improved cardiovascular prevention. The management of dyslipidaemias remains a priority of preventive cardiology.


OBJECTIVE
To assess trends in lipids, lipoproteins and dyslipidaemias between 1996 and 2007 in France.


METHODS
Representative surveys of the general population were carried out in Lille, Strasbourg and Toulouse during two periods, 1996 to 1997 and 2006 to 2007. Men and women aged 35 to 64 years were included. Investigators recorded cardiovascular risk factors, and a blood sample was drawn to measure glycaemia and to provide a complete lipid profile. The data were corrected according to the respective original populations to study 10-year trends in the parameters measured.


RESULTS
From 1996 to 2007, a significant 5.7% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels was observed in adults aged 35 to 64 years (p<0.001). This decrease was greater in those aged 55 to 64 years (10.8% in men, 8.4% in women). A significant 7.8% increase in triglycerides was observed (p<0.001) over the same period. Variation in LDL-cholesterol was more striking in subjects treated with a lipid-lowering drug, with a 17.6% reduction (p<0.001). A decrease in most of dyslipidaemias was also observed over this 10-year interval.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a favourable downward trend in LDL-cholesterol concentration and dyslipidaemias in France. The significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol observed among all the subjects and more particularly among subjects treated with lipid-lowering drugs should provide an incentive for physicians to support the management of all French adults.
Inserm U558, Department of Epidemiology, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France. ferrieres.j@chu-toulouse.fr
Jean
J
Ferrières
Vanina
V
Bongard
Jean
J
Dallongeville
Dominique
D
Arveiler
Dominique
D
Cottel
Bernadette
B
Haas
Aline
A
Wagner
Philippe
P
Amouyel
Jean-Bernard
JB
Ruidavets
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D015415:Biomarkers; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008055:Lipids; D008074:Lipoproteins