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Update Date: 2009/05/11 14:27 [China Times Health / Yang Gefei Report]
A survey found that one in two women in urban areas has high blood lipids, with 30% of women aged 20 to 39 having total cholesterol levels exceeding 240 mg/dl, putting them at early risk for cardiovascular diseases. Doctors warn that consuming too much fried food and lacking exercise can lead to "oily blood," increasing the risk of fatal conditions like stroke and myocardial infarction.
The Heart Foundation of the Republic of China released a survey on women's blood lipids in three major urban areas. Researchers screened 800 women aged 20 to 50 in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. The results showed that over half of urban women had elevated total cholesterol levels, exceeding 240 mg/dl. Eating too richly and too much oily food, combined with a lack of exercise, are the main reasons for high blood lipids among the population.
In addition to high total cholesterol, the study revealed that participants had elevated triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), while their "good" cholesterol, such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), was too low—a concerning combination.
The survey also found that about 18% of urban women aged 20 to 29 had total cholesterol levels exceeding the danger threshold. The prevalence of high blood lipids increased with age, with over 30% of women aged 30 to 39 having elevated cholesterol levels.
Huang Ruiren, Deputy Executive Director of the Heart Foundation and Secretary-General of the Cardiac Society, reminded women that those aged 30 and above should have their blood lipids tested every three years, while those with abnormal levels should undergo annual check-ups. As arteries harden over time, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and myocardial infarction increases.
"Oily blood is mainly linked to Westernized diets, a preference for fried foods, and lack of exercise," Huang Ruiren pointed out. Young women with high blood lipids may experience gradual arterial hardening over 10 to 15 years, raising the risk of vascular blockages and myocardial infarction. After menopause, the lack of hormonal protection makes cardiovascular diseases even more likely.
Although many people in Taiwan have high blood lipids, few actually receive treatment, and the treatment outcomes are far from ideal. Among those diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, only 15% had their LDL levels controlled below the recommended 100 mg/dl, while the remaining 85% remained elevated.
Generally, total cholesterol should be kept below 200 mg/dl, with an ideal level of 160 mg/dl. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dl are considered borderline, while those exceeding 240 mg/dl indicate high risk, requiring medical evaluation.
Additionally, LDL cholesterol should be controlled below 130 mg/dl. Huang Ruiren advised women over 30 to undergo blood lipid testing at least every three years, with annual follow-ups and active treatment if abnormalities are detected. Clinical evidence shows that for every 1-unit increase in blood cholesterol, the risk of coronary heart disease rises by 2%, posing a serious threat to health.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=1,15& id=6125
Survey: Half of Chinese Women Have High Blood Lipids
A survey found that one in two women in urban areas has high blood lipids, with 30% of women aged 20 to 39 having total cholesterol levels exceeding 240 mg/dl, putting them at early risk for cardiovascular diseases. Doctors warn that consuming too much fried food and lacking exercise can lead to "oily blood," increasing the risk of fatal conditions like stroke and myocardial infarction.
The Heart Foundation of the Republic of China released a survey on women's blood lipids in three major urban areas. Researchers screened 800 women aged 20 to 50 in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. The results showed that over half of urban women had elevated total cholesterol levels, exceeding 240 mg/dl. Eating too richly and too much oily food, combined with a lack of exercise, are the main reasons for high blood lipids among the population.
In addition to high total cholesterol, the study revealed that participants had elevated triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), while their "good" cholesterol, such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), was too low—a concerning combination.
The survey also found that about 18% of urban women aged 20 to 29 had total cholesterol levels exceeding the danger threshold. The prevalence of high blood lipids increased with age, with over 30% of women aged 30 to 39 having elevated cholesterol levels.
Huang Ruiren, Deputy Executive Director of the Heart Foundation and Secretary-General of the Cardiac Society, reminded women that those aged 30 and above should have their blood lipids tested every three years, while those with abnormal levels should undergo annual check-ups. As arteries harden over time, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and myocardial infarction increases.
"Oily blood is mainly linked to Westernized diets, a preference for fried foods, and lack of exercise," Huang Ruiren pointed out. Young women with high blood lipids may experience gradual arterial hardening over 10 to 15 years, raising the risk of vascular blockages and myocardial infarction. After menopause, the lack of hormonal protection makes cardiovascular diseases even more likely.
Although many people in Taiwan have high blood lipids, few actually receive treatment, and the treatment outcomes are far from ideal. Among those diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, only 15% had their LDL levels controlled below the recommended 100 mg/dl, while the remaining 85% remained elevated.
Generally, total cholesterol should be kept below 200 mg/dl, with an ideal level of 160 mg/dl. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dl are considered borderline, while those exceeding 240 mg/dl indicate high risk, requiring medical evaluation.
Additionally, LDL cholesterol should be controlled below 130 mg/dl. Huang Ruiren advised women over 30 to undergo blood lipid testing at least every three years, with annual follow-ups and active treatment if abnormalities are detected. Clinical evidence shows that for every 1-unit increase in blood cholesterol, the risk of coronary heart disease rises by 2%, posing a serious threat to health.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=1,15& id=6125