Source: Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2007 to 2009 High lipids and healthĪbout 36% of Canadian adults aged 20 to 79 who don't have a healthy level of "good" cholesterol are obese by comparison, only about 16% of those with a healthy level of good cholesterol are obese (Table 3). Percentage of Canadian children and youth with lipids within normal ranges, by sex However, a relatively lower percentage of children and youth have levels of total cholesterol within normal ranges. Most Canadian children and youth aged 6 to 19 have normal triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol levels, with no substantial gender differences (Table 2). Source: Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2007 to 2009 Lipid levels among Canadian children and youth Percentage of Canadian adults with unhealthy levels of "good" and "bad" cholesterol, by age group Source: Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2007 to 2009 Chart 2 Note: All data presented are from fasting respondents and do not account for the impact of lipid adjusting therapy. Percentage of Canadian adults with unhealthy levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, by age group About 30% of Canadians aged 20 to 79 have low levels of "good" cholesterol, with no substantial difference between age groups (Chart 2). Unhealthy levels of "bad" cholesterol generally increase with age, but peaked in the 40 to 59 year age group, where about 43% of Canadians registered unhealthy levels. High total cholesterol and triglycerides levels increase with age. National Cholesterol Education Program ResultsĪmong Canadians aged 20 to 79, over 40% have a high total cholesterol level (Chart 1), with no substantial gender differences. Ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterolġ Based on recommendations from the CHMS Physician Advisory CommitteeĢ Based on recommendations from the U.S. Table 1 - Healthy levels of lipids in blood Total cholesterol A lipid-lowering therapy might be recommended to normalize the cholesterol level of people with specific conditions (including atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity) or for anyone with high, moderate or even low risk of cardiovascular diseases. High "bad" cholesterol can be prevented through physical activity, healthy diet and not smoking. Lipid monitoring is also important for people with diabetes and atherosclerosis, or for those who have risk factors such as smoking, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and a strong family history of premature cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring lipids for the management of abnormal levels and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is particularly important for men over 40 years of age and women who are menopausal or over 50 years of age. The healthy levels for lipids, suggested by current evidence, are outlined in Table 1. The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) tested the blood samples of participants for a number of lipids: total cholesterol, triglycerides, "bad" cholesterol, "good" cholesterol and the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TC/HDL-C). High triglyceride levels increase the tendency of the blood to clot. Lowering this type of cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and the necessity for heart bypass surgery. "Bad" cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular diseases. "Bad" cholesterol, called low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (or LDL cholesterol), carries cholesterol for cell-building needs but leaves behind any excess on the walls of the arteries. "Good" cholesterol, called high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (or HDL cholesterol), helps to prevent the narrowing of artery walls by removing and transporting any excess to the liver for excretion. Cholesterol is vital for our body but there are two types, good and bad. Lipids are a class of fats, or fat-like substances, which includes cholesterol and triglycerides. Over 40% of Canadians aged 20 to 79 have an unhealthy level of total cholesterol and about 25% have an unhealthy level of triglycerides.
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