Cholesterol Screening among the U.S. Noninstitutionalized Adult Population Age 20 and Older, 2005. Statistical Brief No. 187

摘要

High blood cholesterol has been associated with hardening of the arteries, heart disease, and a raised risk of death from heart attack. Cholesterol testing is recommended as a screening test to be done on all adults age 20 and older at least once every five years. It is frequently done in conjunction with a routine physical exam. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly recommends that clinicians routinely screen men age 35 years and older and women age 45 years and older for lipid disorders and treat abnormal lipids in people who are at increased risk of coronary heart disease. This Statistical Brief estimates cholesterol testing among the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population age 20 and older. The estimates presented are derived from data collected in the questionnaire used in the Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-HC).