Trends in plasma lipids, lipoproteins and dyslipidaemias in French adults, 1996–2007

SummaryBackgroundIn France, the reported decrease in cardiovascular death is due partly to improved cardiovascular prevention. The management of dyslipidaemias remains a priority of preventive cardiology.AimTo assess trends in lipids, lipoproteins and dyslipidaemias between 1996 and 2007 in France.MethodsRepresentative surveys of the general population were carried out in Lille, Strasbourg and Toulouse during two periods, 1996 to 1997 and 2006 to 2007. Men and women aged 35 to 64 years were included. Investigators recorded cardiovascular risk factors, and a blood sample was drawn to measure glycaemia and to provide a complete lipid profile. The data were corrected according to the respective original populations to study 10-year trends in the parameters measured.ResultsFrom 1996 to 2007, a significant 5.7% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels was observed in adults aged 35 to 64 years (p<0.001). This decrease was greater in those aged 55 to 64 years (10.8% in men, 8.4% in women). A significant 7.8% increase in triglycerides was observed (p<0.001) over the same period. Variation in LDL-cholesterol was more striking in subjects treated with a lipid-lowering drug, with a 17.6% reduction (p