Gender and age-related features of total cholesterol concentration in the blood of the working-age population in Yaroslavl

BACKGROUND: Elevated cholesterol levels are among the leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and are a cause of mortality worldwide. Data from the literature indicate substantial differences in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among different populations and age groups. OBJECTIVE: To assess sex- and age-related features of blood total cholesterol levels and the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in the working-age population of the city of Yaroslavl. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, uncontrolled, nonrandomized observational study was conducted involving 890 people of both sexes aged 20 to 59 years. Fasting blood total cholesterol levels were determined using the SD LipidoCare rapid analyzer. RESULTS: The mean total cholesterol level was 4.6±1.21 mmol/L in men and 4.8±1.16 mmol/L in women. With age, plasma total cholesterol levels increased by 37.8% in men and by 34.1% in women. An optimal total cholesterol level was recorded in 66.1% of men and 62.7% of women. With age, the proportion of individuals with optimal values decreased 1.4-fold in men and 2.5-fold in women. Elevated and high cholesterol levels were observed in 17.2% and 9.3% of men and 23.6% and 10.8% of women, respectively. The distribution by total cholesterol level according to age showed statistically significant differences in both men (χ2=66.217, Df=9, p <0.01) and women (χ2=113.907, Df=9, p <0.01). The odds of developing hypercholesterolemia increased with age 10.6-fold in men (OR=10.198, 95% CI: 4.481-23.208, p<0.001) and 16.5-fold in women (OR=16.427, 95% CI: 7.741-34.861, p<0.001). Median blood total cholesterol values and the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Yaroslavl men and women aged 20-59 years are lower than those in nationwide Russian data.