High total cholesterol (≥ 240 mg/dL) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (< 40 mg/dL) levels are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of U.S. deaths (1–3). From 2007–2008 to 2013–2014, declining trends were observed in high total and low HDL cholesterol prevalence (4). This report provides 2015–2016 estimates for high total and low HDL cholesterol and trends based on available comparable data through 2015–2016. Analysis is based on measured cholesterol.
What was the prevalence of high total cholesterol among adults in 2015–2016? During 2015–2016, 12.4% of adults had high total cholesterol. Overall, prevalence was higher in adults aged 40–59 (17.1%) than in those aged 20–39 (7.9%) and 60 and over (12.5%). It was also higher in adults aged 60 and over than in those aged 20–39. Figure 1. Prevalence of high total cholesterol among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 2015–2016
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 290 ■ October 2017
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics
What was the prevalence of high total cholesterol among adults in 2015–2016? During 2015–2016, 12.4% of adults had high total cholesterol. Overall, prevalence was higher in adults aged 40–59 (17.1%) than in those aged 20–39 (7.9%) and 60 and over (12.5%). It was also higher in adults aged 60 and over than in those aged 20–39. Figure 1. Prevalence of high total cholesterol among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 2015–2016
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 290 ■ October 2017
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics
