Awareness, treatment and control of hyperlipidaemia in middle-aged men in France and northern ireland in 1991-1993: the PRIME study. Prospective epidemiological study of myocardial infarction

Abstract

Objective: To assess how well screening and preventive measures are implemented in the general population.

Methods and results: Sample of 9,609 men aged 50-59 devoid of history of CHD living in France and Northern Ireland. Hyperlipidaemia was defined as total cholesterol > or = 240 mg/dl or triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dl or HDL cholesterol < 0.35 mg/dl or hypolipidaemic drug treatment. Treated subjects were considered as controlled if total cholesterol was < 200 mg/dland triglycerides < 200 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol > or = 0.35 mg/dl. The prevalence of hyperlipidaemia was higher in Northern Ireland, whereas awareness, treatment and control rates were higher in France. Only one third of aware subjects had a hypolipidaemic diet, and less than half of treated subjects was adequately controlled. Lower educational level, smoking, obesity and a history of hypertension were significantly related to higher rates of hyperlipidaemia in both countries. In France, history of hypertension or diabetes, and ex- or non-smoking status were related to higher levels of awareness and treatment. In Northern Ireland, awareness of hyperlipidaemia was positively related to educational level.

Conclusions: Awareness, treatment and control rates for hyperlipidaemia are low in Northern Ireland compared to France, and implementation of preventive measures should be performed in both countries.