Plasma cholesterol distribution in a rural Nigerian population - relationship to age, sex and body mass

Abstract

Several reports indicate the close relationship between high plasma cholesterol levels with the occurrence of atherosclerosis.1,2 The prevalence of atherosclerosis has been reported to be much higher in Caucasians than in Black Africans.3 Large differences in total plasma cholesterol levels between these populations have been reported and have been attributed to differing dietary patterns between them.4-7 Thus data on the distribution of cholesterol in groups of subjects randomly selected from communities are important since they provide opportunities for intra and international comparisons which may thus lead to identification of habits or traits which influence plasma cholesterol levels.