Comparison of high density lipoprotein and serum cholesterol levels in a European and an African community.

Serum and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations have been measured in 210 men and women in a London community and in a Nsukka community. Mean serum cholesterol concentrations were higher in London than in Nsukka. High density lipoprotein cholesterol was, however, higher in Nsukka than in London. Whereas the difference in serum cholesterol reached a statistical level when all the age groups were considered together, there was no statistical difference when the two populations were considered in terms of the young (20-39 year age group) and the middle aged (40-59 year age group). Difference in high density lipoprotein cholestrol, however, reached a statistical level in these two age groups.