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National Cholesterol Education Month --- September 2001
High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause
of death in the United States. Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the incidence of
heart disease and death among persons with or without coronary heart disease. To
increase awareness of the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels and taking steps
to achieve or maintain healthy levels, the National Cholesterol Education Program
(NCEP) sponsors National Cholesterol Education Month every September. This year,
the theme is "Know your cholesterol numbers; know your risk."
In May 2001, NCEP released the Third Report of the Expert Panel on
Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults, Adult Treatment
Panel III (ATP III), which recommends that adults aged
>20 years have their cholesterol checked at least once every 5 years. Cholesterol levels can be lowered
through lifestyle changes such as dietary improvement, increased physical activity,
weight control, drug therapy, or a combination of these
(1).
During September, CDC-funded state cardiovascular health programs and
their collaborators will conduct programs aimed at increasing awareness
and understanding of high blood cholesterol and its impact on heart disease. For
example, the Montana state health department and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
have developed and broadcast radio public service announcements providing
cholesterol education. The Arkansas state health department will provide cholesterol
educational information sheets to the public and health-care professionals.
National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation,
and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Executive summary of the third report
of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on
Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (ATP III).
JAMA 2001;285:2486--97.
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