Prevalence of dyslipidemias among Lithuanian rural population (CINDI program).

The aim of this study is to describe trends in serum total, low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and nutrition habits in Lithuanian rural population between 1987 and 1999. The article presents the data of three screenings of random samples of the population aged 25-64 of five Lithuanian rural regions. Since 1987 the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia has decreased. The greatest decrease was observed in the proportion of persons with elevated level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The prevalence of low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased more significantly among women compared to men. The most remarkable changes in the prevalence of dyslipidemias were observed between 1993 and 1999. The increasing age was strongly correlated with higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in both genders. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was higher among men with higher education, overweight, hypertension and smokers than among those with low education, normal weight, normal level of blood pressure and nonsmokers. In women hypercholesterolemia was associated only with hypertension. The nutrition habits of Lithuanian rural population have changed, especially over the last five years. The consumption of animal fat has decreased and the usage of vegetable oil and margarine has increased. Women increased consumption of vegetables and fruits. The strengthening of favorable trends in nutrition habits in Lithuanian population should be one of the most important strategies in the implementation of cardiovascular disease prevention programs.