Trends in serum cholesterol levels from 1980 to 1987: the Minnesota Heart Survey

Article Abstract:

Results are reported from a survey of trends in blood cholesterol levels among residents of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, during two periods: 1980 to 1982 and 1985 to 1987. Data were collected for the Minnesota Heart Survey, a study of risk factors for coronary heart disease begun in 1979, and analyzed for trends over time in subjects' cholesterol levels, rate of hypercholesterolemia (levels of 240 milligrams per deciliter or higher), and awareness of and treatment for this problem. One person in each of several thousand households between the ages of 25 and 74 was interviewed, then asked to attend a clinic where diet, medication use, health-related behavior, and physiological variables were evaluated. Blood pressure, blood lipid (fats) levels, and height and weight were monitored. No one participated in both periods of the study. Results showed decreases between the two periods in the levels of total blood cholesterol for almost all age groups, with the greatest decrease, of 9.7 milligrams per deciliter (from 238 to 228.3 milligrams per deciliter), occurring among women 65 to 74. For the sample as a whole, cholesterol levels for men dropped from 205 to 200 milligrams per deciliter; for women, from 201 to 195 milligrams per deciliter. The rate of hypercholesterolemia decreased, as did the proportion of female (but not male) subjects with this condition who were unaware of it. However, two thirds of the subjects with hypercholesterolemia who were studied at the later time were not aware of their condition. A greater proportion of subjects with hypercholesterolemia were under treatment with drugs to lower cholesterol levels in the 1985-1987 survey, and cholesterol levels had been reduced in more people by such treatment at this later date. The specific medications used are described. Data concerning hyperlipidemia (elevated blood levels of certain fats) are also presented. Much of the decline in cholesterol levels in the Twin Cities appeared to be the result of better diets and more exercise, reported as part of physicians' recommendations more often in the later survey than in the earlier one. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Risk factors, Surveys, Coronary heart disease, Blood cholesterol, Minnesota, Hypercholesterolemia

---

Olestra and the FDA

Article Abstract:

The FDA approved Olestra, a new fat substitute, on January 24, 1996. Olestra may cause abdominal cramps and loose stool, and prevents absorption of some vitamins and nutrients. People cannot digest this additive in snack foods designed for preventive weight control. Procter & Gamble will be required to add vitamins to its snacks, to add Olestra only to salty snack foods, and to include references to adverse side effects on the label. Health experts question the public safety of an additive that received regulatory clearance rather quickly. Apart from Procter & Gamble's own testing, scientific evidence about the benefits of Olestra is still lacking. FDA regulations place the burden of producing further results on the manufacturer but questions about standards remain. Due to major media coverage, the public is poised to rule on the success of products containing Olestra. Public response will probably determine further product expansion into other types of foods.

Food industry, Column, Complications and side effects, Licensing agreements, Procter & Gamble Co., PG, Olestra, United States. Food and Drug Administration, Fat substitutes

---

Trends in mortality, morbidity, and risk factor levels for stroke from 1960 through 1990: the Minnesota Heart Survey

Article Abstract:

Deaths from stroke in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area declined 50% from 1960 to 1990. This decline is due to prevention and better treatment. Though rates of self-reported diabetes did not change between 1973 to 1987, cigarette smoking dropped 10% and serum cholesterol levels decreased. The greatest decline occurred around 1972 after the National High Blood Pressure Education and Control Program was introduced. The United States became one of the countries with the lowest stroke mortality rate. The decline levelled off from 1984 to 1990 because treatment for high blood pressure did not improve. Only 25% of men ages 25 to 74 and 42% of women had their high blood pressure under control. A greater decline in stroke mortality can be expected as risk factors are reduced and diagnosis and treatment methods improve.

Mortality, Prevention, Statistics, Stroke (Disease), Stroke

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Trans monounsaturated fatty acids and serum cholesterol levels. Effect of dietary trans fatty acids on high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in healthy subjects
• Abstracts: Increasing treatment acceptance in a cool economy. Capitation: the choice is yours. Dealing with dentistry's image dilemma
• Abstracts: The effect of maternal anaemia and iron deficiency on the ratio of fetal weight to placental weight. Obstetric acute renal failure 1956-1987
• Abstracts: Unanswered questions about DNR orders. Guidelines for the appropriate use of do-not-resuscitate orders. Answers and questions about ethics consultations
• Abstracts: Pregnancy hormone levels signal trisomy 21, improved screening, lower costs possible. part 2 Family tree can yield lifesaving knowledge for patients at risk for hereditary cancers

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.