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Lower Cholesterol

By Associated Press

Report: U.S. cholesterol falls to the ideal range, thanks to meds. Lower Cholesterol

Published: Wed, December 12, 2007 - 11:08 am Last Updated: Wed, December 12, 2007 - 11:13 am

ATLANTA (AP) - A new government report shows for the first time
in almost 50 years, the average cholesterol level for U.S. adults
is in the ideal range.
Results from a national blood test survey found the average
total cholesterol level was 199. Doctors like patients to have
total cholesterol readings of 200 or lower.
Susan Schober of the National Center for Health Statistics --
the lead author of the report -- says the growing use of
cholesterol-lowering pills in people 60 and older is believed to be
a main reason for the improvement.
Schober -- a senior epidemiologist -- says these age groups are
the ones most likely to be treated with medication.
The survey collects data in two-year intervals. The new results
are based on a national sample of about 4,500 people 20 and older
from 2005-06. The new 199 level compares with 204 in 1999-2000.
When the survey first began in 1960, the average cholesterol was
at 222.
Researchers also found that the percentage of adults with high
cholesterol, of 240 or higher, dropped to 16 percent, down from 20
percent in the early 1990s.
They also reported that 65 percent of men and 75 percent of
women had been screened for high cholesterol in the previous five
years.