Population screening for cholesterol determination. A pilot study
E. L. Wynder, F. Field and N. J. Haley
A screening for plasma cholesterol levels was conducted at six sites in the
New York metropolitan area and involved hospitals, health professionals,
paraprofessionals, media experts, and instruments that provided cholesterol
levels rapidly. During the five days of the testing, over 12,000
participants were screened. Because the program was limited to customary
working hours and because of self-selection of participants, the subjects
were probably an unusually health-conscious group as evidenced by the low
prevalence of cigarette smokers (11%). Nevertheless, 12% were at moderate
risk and 16% were at high risk for coronary heart disease. Approximately
half of the population reported never having had their cholesterol levels
tested, and over 40% had no idea what levels were optimal. A subsample of
patients at risk was screened by telephone survey. In the majority of
cases, when a patient's physician was consulted for advice, no action was
recommended. Our results demonstrate that a large population screening can
be implemented, that at least certain segments of the public will respond
to such a program, and that educational efforts must be directed at both
the public at large and physicians.
