QuickStats: Prevalence of Low Levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol* Among Adults Aged ≥20 Years, by Age Group and Sex — National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2009–2010

Weekly
June 1, 2012 / 61(21);398

The figure shows that in the United States during 2009–2010, approximately 31% of men and 12% of women had low levels of HDL cholesterol. The percentage of adults with low HDL cholesterol declined with age for men and women.

* A low level of HDL cholesterol is defined as <40 mg/dL.

† 95% confidence interval.

A low level of HDL cholesterol is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. During 2009–2010, approximately 31% of men and 12% of women had low levels of HDL cholesterol. The percentage of adults with low HDL cholesterol declined with age for men and women.

Sources: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm.

Carroll MD, Kit BK, Lacher DA. Total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010. NCHS data brief, no. 92. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2012. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db92.htm.

Reported by: Margaret D. Carroll, MSPH, mcarroll@cdc.gov, 301-458-4136; Brian K. Kit, MD; David A. Lacher, MD.

Alternate Text: The figure above shows that in the United States during 2009–2010, approximately 31% of men and 12% of women had low levels of HDL cholesterol. The percentage of adults with low HDL cholesterol declined with age for men and women.