Health
Study: Women need more information on cholesterol numbers
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 10, 2007
Nearly all women are aware of what needs to be done to lower their cholesterol, and many are concerned about this cardiovascular disease risk factor. The majority, however, don't know what their cholesterol levels are and don't understand exactly what these numbers mean, according to the results of a telephone survey released by the Society for Women's Health Research last month.
The poll of 524 adult women found that more than 90% of those surveyed knew that exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, consuming a low-fat diet and taking statins could lower cholesterol, but 36% did not know that high cholesterol has no symptoms. Additionally, about 63% were concerned that high cholesterol would be an issue during their lifetime, but only 32% knew their cholesterol numbers.
"We've got a long way to go in educating women ... about the risks of high cholesterol and the importance of tracking cholesterol throughout adulthood," said Phyllis Greenberger, president and CEO of the society.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/09/10/hlbf0910.htm.
