Awareness, treatment and control of hyperlipidaemia in middle-aged men in France and northern ireland in 1991-1993: the PRIME study. Prospective epidemiological study of myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE

To assess how well screening and preventive measures are implemented in the general population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sample of 9,609 men aged 50-59 devoid of history of CHD living in France and Northern Ireland. Hyperlipidaemia was defined as total cholesterol > or = 240 mg/dl or triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dl or HDL cholesterol < 0.35 mg/dl or hypolipidaemic drug treatment. Treated subjects were considered as controlled if total cholesterol was < 200 mg/dland triglycerides < 200 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol > or = 0.35 mg/dl. The prevalence of hyperlipidaemia was higher in Northern Ireland, whereas awareness, treatment and control rates were higher in France. Only one third of aware subjects had a hypolipidaemic diet, and less than half of treated subjects was adequately controlled. Lower educational level, smoking, obesity and a history of hypertension were significantly related to higher rates of hyperlipidaemia in both countries. In France, history of hypertension or diabetes, and ex- or non-smoking status were related to higher levels of awareness and treatment. In Northern Ireland, awareness of hyperlipidaemia was positively related to educational level.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness, treatment and control rates for hyperlipidaemia are low in Northern Ireland compared to France, and implementation of preventive measures should be performed in both countries.