Trends in Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins of Adults, 1960-2002

Abstract

The decrease in total cholesterol level observed during 1960-1994 and LDL cholesterol level observed during 1976-1994 has continued during 1999-2002 in men 60 to 74 years and women 50 to 74 years. The target value of no more than 17% of US adults with a total cholesterol level of at least 240 mg/dL (> or =6.22 mmol/L), an objective of Healthy People 2010, has been attained. The increase in the proportion of adults using lipid-lowering medication, particularly in older age groups, likely contributed to the decreases in total and LDL cholesterol levels observed. The increased prevalence of obesity in the US population may have contributed to the increase in mean serum triglyceride levels.