Abstract
The combined use of cholesterol-lowering drugs and cholesterol-lowering bread spreads: health behavior data from Finland.
de Jong N, Simojoki M, Laatikainen T, Tapanainen H, Valsta L, Lahti-Koski M, Uutela A, Vartiainen E.
Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. nynke.de.jong@rivm.nl
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.
de Jong N, Simojoki M, Laatikainen T, Tapanainen H, Valsta L, Lahti-Koski M, Uutela A, Vartiainen E.
Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. nynke.de.jong@rivm.nl
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 849-855 |
| Journal | Preventive Medicine |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2004 |