A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report found the number of individuals in the U.S. living with elevated LDL cholesterol levels has decreased by about 1/3 between 1999-2000 and 2005-2006. These findings are based on the results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with just over 7,000 participants over the age of 20. According to CDC scientists the rate of high LDL levels decreased from 31.5% to 21.2%. Individuals included in the study were not taking statin medications, although self-reported use of statin medications increased from 8% to 12.4%.
This report is a good sign that more individuals are taking steps to control cholesterol levels, such as monitoring saturated and trans fat intake. However, if you are living with elevated LDL cholesterol what’s important is that you take steps to control your levels to reduce your heart disease risk. Here is a post where you can learn more about lowering LDL cholesterol:
Please share your thoughts on the study results below.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
http://www.lowercholesterolwithlisa.com