POSSIBLE USEFULNESS OF SCREENING FOR HYPERLIPIDAEMIA

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Abstract
Screening for coronary risk factors is one approach to the prevention of premature coronary disease. Its usefulness will depend on the effectiveness with which identified risk factors can be dealt. This report describes the operation of a Risk Evaluation Service that screens for hypertension and hyperlipidaemia and offers dietary advice to individuals found to be hyperlipidaemic. It was found that 33% of men and 36% of women weighed more than 10% above ideal body weight. Serum cholesterol values of 6-4 mmol/l. (250 mg/100 ml) or above were found in at least one-quarter of men and women above the age of 40 years. Hypercholesterolaemia, defined in this way, responded readily to appropriate dietary advice (75% of men and 64% of women attained normal cholesterol levels in four to six weeks: mean pretreatment cholesterol level being 7-2 mmol/l. and 7-4 mmol/l. for men and women, respectively, mean post-treatment cholesterol level being 5-9 mmol/l. and 6-4 mmol/l. respiectively). The response was less impressive for cobined hyperlipidaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia (about one-half attained normal values in four to six weeks), possibly owing to insufficient time for adequate weight loss to have occurred. These data confirm the high prevalence of hyperlipidaemia in middleaged Australians and suggest the simple dietary conselling will frequently correct hypercholesterolaemia at least in the short term.