The combined use of cholesterol-lowering drugs and cholesterol-lowering bread spreads: health behavior data from Finland.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may metabolically interact with cholesterol-lowering bread spreads. This study analyses the prevalence of use of drugs, bread spreads or the combination of both in people aware of their high/elevated cholesterol level, and compares users of the three therapies on health behavior and demographics.

METHODS:

Participants (9581, 25-74 years) from The National FINRISK 2002 Study filled out a questionnaire on demographics and health (related) issues. Blood samples, blood pressure, body weight and height were measured.

RESULTS:

Of those who reported to have a high cholesterol level (31% of the study population), 19% used cholesterol-lowering drugs, 11% used cholesterol-lowering bread spreads and 5% combined both therapies. On a population level, only 1% jointly used a drug and bread spread therapy. The combination was used by especially highly educated people and those having a healthy diet.

CONCLUSION:

Combining a cholesterol-lowering drug with a bread spread regimen is relatively rare, even among those being aware of their high cholesterol levels. The combined usage was most frequent among 'the better off'. Public health risks of a metabolic interaction between both therapies may not be of major importance yet, but future follow-up is recommended.

• Authors: Nynke de Jong, Meri Simojoki, Tiina Laatikainen, Heli Tapanainen, Liisa Valsta, Marjaana Lahti-Koski, Antti Uutela, Erkki Vartiainen
• Journal: Preventive medicine (Prev Med) Vol. 39 Issue 5 Pg. 849-55 (Nov 2004) ISSN: 0091-7435 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15475015 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Dietary Fats
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
• Margarine
• Cholesterol

Topics

• Adult
• Age Distribution
• Aged
• Anticholesteremic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Bread
• Cholesterol (blood)
• Dietary Fats (administration & dosage)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Finland (epidemiology)
• Health Behavior
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Hypercholesterolemia (blood, epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Male
• Margarine (statistics & numerical data)
• Middle Aged
• Sex Distribution