Sammendrag
Abstract:
Background: A large proportion of the population in Norway today has hypercholesterolemia. The patients can be classified in several ways including whether they have a poly etiological cause or if there is an inherited genetic error of the LDL-receptor. (Familial hypercholesterolemia.) Regardless of etiology is the treatment of high cholesterol lifestyle intervention diet and increased physical activity. The question is whether there is any difference in diet and lifestyle habits of patients in these two groups.
Materials and methods: Data from a group of 59 FH patients from the study Treat To Target – Familial Hypercholesterolemia, were compared with a control group composed of data from two studies including 65 patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. (Plantesterolstudien and TrioBe) A qualitative diet and lifestyle form(SmartDiet) was filled out by all patients.
Results: FH patients achieved a higher overall score on dietary questionnaires. (FH group, mean score of 35 p. Control group, mean score 32,5. P=0.002) A greater proportion of FH patients drank skimmed milk, ate less fat cheese and fat meat, and used more often polyunsaturated margarine and vegetable oil. There were no significant differences in BMI, smoking habits and physical activity.
Conclusion: This study shows that patients with genetically verified familial hypercholesterolemia have a more favorable diet than patients with hypercholesterolemia who are not genetically verified. Genetic testing may have helped to increase the motivation for a positive diet.