A review of recent dietary intervention trials in the United Kingdom to reduce blood cholesterol levels

Abstract

A review of 14 UK studies conducted between 1980 and January 1997 showed that blood cholesterol levels can be reduced through screening followed by dietary and behavioural intervention in both general population and high risk individuals (hyperlipidaemic and angina patients). In most studies cholesterol levels were lowered moderately while changes in other risk factors were also in a positive direction. However, it is unclear whether the cholesterol reductions are sufficiently large to have a significant impact in lowering the risk of heart disease in the whole population.