Prevalence of Hypercholesterolemia and Its Related Factors in Middle-aged Taiwanese Adults---A Hospital-based Study

Abstract

Objectives. Hypercholesterolemia-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and hypertension are major public health concerns in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and its related factors in middle-aged Taiwanese adults. Methods. This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study. We analyzed the health status of adults who voluntarily visited the China Medical College Hospital in Taichung for preventive services - examination, and measurement of fasting blood biochemistry. Of the 2745persons, 39% were men and 61% were women (mean age, 50.2 ±6.9 years). In order to determine the significant related factors of hypercholesterolemia, the t test, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results. The mean level of total serum cholesterol was5.04 ±0.95mmol/L in men and 5.0. ±0.98 mmol/L in women. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 40.3% in men and 39.6% in women. According to our statistical analysis, hypercholesterolemia increased with age (p ＜0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the statistically significant related factors of hypercholesterolemia were age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = l.02-1.04, P＜ 0.000, hypertension (OR = 1.22, 95% C1 = 1.02-1.44, P ＜ 0.05), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.94-2.81, P＜ 0.001) and hyperuricemia (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.15-1.67, P＜ 0.001). Conclusions. Hypercholesterolemia is a relatively common problem in middle-aged adults. When older individuals present with hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia or hyperuricemia, it is important to determine total serum cholesterol levels.