NHLBI Media Availability: Trends in Cholesterol Levels

A new study analyzes trends in cholesterol levels among U.S. adults, using data from 5 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 1960 and 2002. Blood lipid measurements were taken from 6, 098 to 15, 719 adults age 20 and over.

“Trends in Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins of Adults, 1960-2002,” will be published in the October 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. James Cleeman, coordinator of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), is available to comment on the study’s findings that total and LDL cholesterol levels have significantly declined, primarily among older adults, with little change in younger age groups. Dr. Cleeman can discuss NHLBI recommendations regarding the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing and treating high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease.

To schedule interviews, contact the NHLBI Communications Office at 301-496-4236.

NHLBI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Federal Government’s primary agency for biomedical and behavioral research. NIH is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NHLBI press releases and fact sheets, including information on cholesterol, can be found online at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.