Population frequency distribution of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES III], 1998-1994)

The objective of this study was to provide population frequency distributio n data for non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (total cholestero l minus HDL cholesterol) concentrations and to evaluate whether differences exist by gender, ethnicity, or level of education. Serum levels of non-HDL cholesterol and sociodemographic characteristics were determined for 3,618 black, 3,528 Mexican-American, and 6,043 white women and men, aged greater than or equal to 25 years, from a national cross-sectional survey of the U S population (National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988-19 94), Age-adjusted non-HDL cholesterol concentrations were lower in women th an men (154.1 vs 160.4 mg/dl, p <0.001), In women and men, age was positive ly associated with non-HDL cholesterol in the 25 to 64-year age range, and the slope of the association was steeper for women, For women and men great er than or equal to 65 years, age was negatively associated with non-HDL ch olesterol, and the slope of the association was steeper for men. Black wome n and men had lower non-HDL cholesterol levels than either Mexican-American or white women and men (women, p <0.02; men, p <0.001,for both ethnic cont rasts). Women with less education had higher levels of non-HDL cholesterol than women with more education (p <0.01). These nationally representative p opulation frequency distribution data provide non-HDL cholesterol reference levels for clinicians and investigators and indicate that there are signif icant variations in non-HDL cholesterol by gender, age, ethnicity, and leve l of education. (C) 2000 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.