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"The implications of this study are that high cholesterol is very common, treatment is far from ideal, and disparities in control persist," Goff said. "We have very effective treatments for high blood cholesterol, but for people to benefit, they must have their cholesterol measured, have treatment prescribed by physicians, and take the medication as advised."

The new findings confirm data from the fourth National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES IV) assessing total cholesterol treatment and control among blacks, whites, and Mexican Americans. It showed lower rates of control among both blacks and Mexican Americans than whites, but did not assess treatment in relation to the ATPIII recommendations.

"The public needs to become more aware of the importance of getting their cholesterol checked and being treated if it is high, because informed patients can make sure they get good care," Goff said. "Physicians and other healthcare professionals need to work together to improve the quality of care that is delivered to patients with high cholesterol."

Co-authors are Alain G. Bertoni, M.D.; Denise E. Bonds, M.D.; Holly Kramer, M.D.; Michael Y. Tsai, Ph.D.; Roger Blumenthal, M.D., and Bruce M. Psaty, M.D., Ph.D.

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Contact: Karen Astle
karen.astle@heart.org
214-706-1392
American Heart Association
10-Nov-2004