Abstract P272: Cumulative Risk for Hypercholesterolemia In Middle-Aged White and African American Men and Women

Abstract

Introduction: The long-term risks for incident hypercholesterolemia (HC) have not been quantified by sex in AA men and women. Methods: We conducted an individual-level pooled analysis of participants from The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and The Framingham Offspring Studies with baseline prevalence and follow-up data on HC and lipid-lowering medications. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as a total cholesterol level > 240mg/dL or the use of lipid-lowering medications on ≥2 consecutive examinations. We quantified the long-term risk for HC using competing risk models to assess incidence from age 55 years (y) though 70y to 85y, adjusted for baseline prevalence and competing risks of death. Analyses were stratified by race and sex. Results: There were 11,341 White and 2,828 AA participants (55% and 63% female, respectively) included in the analysis. At an index age of 55y the mean (SD) BMIs in White and AA (men/women) respectively were: 27.8(4.1)/26.9 (5.6) and 28.1(5)/31.3(6.7)Kg/m2. Baseline prevalence rates of HC were not substantially different across race and sex groups. White women had the highest risks for the development of HC, with long-term risks as high has 63% through age 80y. AA men had the lowest risks for hypercholesterolemia through at 70y. Conclusions: The burden of HC is substantial across all race groups, with the highest risks found in white women. Aggressive surveillance and early preventive efforts against HC are needed across all race and sex groups.