High density lipoprotein cholesterol and alcohol consumption in a French male population.

The mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in a sample of 640 apparently healthy male employees of a branch of the Paris civil service, aged 22-56, appears high (between 56.5 and 61.8 mg/dl depending on age groups). A positive relationship between HDL-C and alcohol intake is observed only after age 30, but is revealed in all age groups when the triglyceride level is taken into account. Differences in drinking habits by age may explain this. The moderate effect of alcohol intake on HDL-C is not sufficient to account for the high mean levels observed.