The awareness of the risk of elevated cholesterol levels and knowledge about cholesterol-lowering action in Australia

We report on a survey of the frequency of the assessment of cholesterol levels and blood pressure in the Australian population. Attitudes to risk-factor modification for cardiovascular disease also were evaluated and emphasis was placed on the assessment of knowledge about dietary modification in relation to cardiovascular disease. Respondents in this survey more frequently reported that they had undergone a blood pressure assessment than that they had had their blood cholesterol levels measured (96% and 46% of respondents, respectively). The proportion (5%) of respondents who recalled a cholesterol assessment with elevated cholesterol levels was found to be substantially lower than was that for participants in the 1983 National Heart Foundation Risk Factor Prevalence Study (19% of men and 21% of women had cholesterol levels of more than 6.5 mmol/L). Very few (9%) respondents in this survey nominated that they would reduce their dietary fat intake in order to modify their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, a greater number of respondents answered appropriately when asked about their potential modification of specific food items. More than 80% of respondents reported that they would reduce their intake of fried foods, although fewer would minimize their intakes of dairy products and meat. Women and respondents with a higher level of education were found to be more likely to respond appropriately. In addition, of those respondents who recalled ever having had their blood cholesterol level measured, those who reported that they had an elevated cholesterol level were more likely to indicate appropriate dietary modifications compared with those who reported normal cholesterol levels. Cholesterol reduction continues to be an important public-health issue in Australia. The results of this survey indicate that there is a need for both increased identification of individuals with elevated cholesterol levels in the population and further educational programmes about the relationship among cholesterol, diet and cardiovascular disease.