SERUM-LIPID LEVELS IN CHILDREN AND TEENAG ERS FROM CONCEPCION, CHILE

Background: There is a relationship between serum lipid levels in chil dren with those of adults. Preventive measures to reduce serum lipid l evels should start in childhood. Aim: To study serum lipid levels in a representative sample of children and teenagers for Concepcion, Chile . Subjects and methods: Serum total, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in 1,286 males and 816 females from 5 to 18 years old i n the city of Concepcion. Results: Mean total cholesterol levels were 159+/-30 and 162+/-31 mg/dl in males and females respectively. The fig ures for HDL cholesterol were 46+/-11 and 47+/-11 mg/dl, for LDL chole sterol were 94+/-27 and 96+/-29 mg/dl and for triglycerides were 80+/- 35 and 87+/-38 mg/dl. Nine percent of males and 12% of females had a t otal cholesterol over 200 mg/dl. Likewise 10% of males and 11% of fema les had a LDL cholesterol over 130 mg/dl. Conclusions: These numbers w ill help to plan and perform interventions in children, in order to pr event cardiovascular diseases.