Trends in Cholesterol Knowledge and Screening and Hypercholesterolemia Awareness and Treatment, 1980-1992

Abstract

Cholesterol knowledge and hypercholesterolemia awareness and treatment increased substantially during the 1980s, concurrent with educational initiatives of the National Cholesterol Education Program and other efforts.

Awareness, treatment, and control of vascular risk factors in African Americans with stroke

“…20,21 A clinical trial of recurrent stroke prevention is currently under way using the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin. 24 Several reports have shown an increase in patient awareness of hypercholesterolemia and an increase in the use of lipid-lowering medication during the 1980s and 1990s in the U.S.A. 19,[25][26][27] Of our patients, 40% were aware of having hypercholesterolemia. 23 Furthermore, increased levels of HDL have been associated with a reduction in the risk of stroke in the elderly.…”

Cost of a Pharmacist‐Directed Intervention to Increase Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia

“…23 Other studies found similar underuse of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. [1][2][3][4][5] In addition to the failure to begin lipid-lowering therapy in high-risk patients, achievement of NCEP LDL goals in those receiving therapy has been suboptimal. One study determined that only 33% of patients treated at a Veterans Administration (VA) medical center achieved their NCEP LDL goals.…”

Evaluation of changes in public interest concerning lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors between 1990 and 1995

“…In the Minnesota Heart Survey, the follow-up of a campaign, there was a great increase in knowledge of one's own cholesterol values between 1980 and 1992 (15).…”