Dyslipidaemia in rural Australia: prevalence, awareness, and adherence to treatment guidelines in the Greater Green Triangle Risk Factor Study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine population lipid profiles, awareness of hyperlipidaemia and adherence to Australian lipid management guidelines.


METHODS
Population survey in rural south-eastern Australia, 2004-2006.


METHODS
Stratified random sample from the electoral roll. Data from 1274 participants (40%) aged 25-74 years were analysed.


METHODS
Population mean total, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC, LDL-C and HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, prevalence of dyslipidaemia, and treatment according to 2001 and 2005 Australian guideline target levels.


RESULTS
Population-adjusted mean TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations were 5.38 mmol/L (95% CI, 5.30-5.45), 1.50 mmol/L (95% CI, 1.43-1.56), 3.23 mmol/L (95% CI, 3.16-3.30) and 1.46 mmol/L (95% CI, 1.44-1.49), respectively. Prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia (TC > 5.5 mmol/L or on treatment) was 48%. Lipid-lowering medication use was reported by 12%. Seventy-seven of 183 participants with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes were untreated, and of the 106 treated, 59% reached the target LDL-C. Of those without CVD or diabetes already treated, 38% reached target LDL-C, and 397 participants at high absolute risk did not receive primary prevention. Ninety-five per cent of treated individuals with CVD or diabetes and 86% of others treated had cholesterol measured in the previous year. Sixty-nine per cent of individuals at low risk aged over 45 years had their cholesterol measured within the previous 5 years.


CONCLUSIONS
A comprehensive national strategy for lowering mean population cholesterol is required, as is better implementation of absolute risk management guidelines - particularly in rural populations.
Janus
Edward D
ED
Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health, Flinders University and Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC.
Tideman
Philip A
PA
Dunbar
James A
JA
Kilkkinen
Annamari
A
Bunker
Stephen J
SJ
Philpot
Benjamin
B
Tirimacco
Rosy
R
Mc Namara
Kevin
K
Heistaro
Sami
S
Laatikainen
Tiina
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol