Identifying endemic areas and estimating the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Taiwan's townships

Background/Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate geographic variations and differences in the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia between Taiwan's townships. Methods: The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia was evaluated according to the geographic characteristics of the people in the Adult Preventive Service Program from 2009 to 2010. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia in 2009 and 2010 was used and divided into three groups. Then, all townships were classed as having a significantly high prevalence, low prevalence, or an undetermined prevalence. Results: The mean prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia was 29.26% and 43.96%, respectively. Geographic variations were observed: 125 townships had a high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, 122 townships had a low prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, 142 townships had a high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and 159 townships had a low prevalence. A higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was noted in the aboriginal areas. Conclusion: Geographic variations exist in the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Our findings indicate that the prevention and treatment services in these high prevalence areas should be a priority.