Serum cholesterol levels in the medical community

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> Many investigators^1-5have shown that the risk of a clinical episode of coronary artery disease is closely correlated with serum cholesterol levels. These epidemiologic studies show that the hypercholesterolemic population has a three to five times greater risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) than the normocholesterolemic population. Recognition of this important correlation has generated efforts to screen large population groups for elevated cholesterol levels. It is an interesting observation that physicians and their families are seldom included in local health programs. Because of this it seemed particularly appropriate to carry out a cholesterol-screening program exclusively for physicians and their guests at medical conventions. Accordingly, Flint Laboratories carried out such a program at eight medical meetings, beginning with the American Medical Association convention, 1967, and ending with the AMA convention, 1968. The screening program included 2,973 individuals, who were selected for no reason other than their presence