Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density-lipoprotein concentrations in men with different dietary and exercise regimens in Puriscal, Costa Rica

Abstract

Mean serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were higher for two groups of sedentary middle-aged and elderly men than for a group of physically-active, middle-aged farmers, all from rural Puriscal, Costa Rica. The mean serum cholesterol, trielvcertde, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-risk factor levels of the three groups were all higher than the comparable US means. Dietary fat and cholesterol intake were also greater for the Purim:al men than for the comparable US counterpart. No correlations were found between dietary fat or cholesterol and the corresponding serum levels. Age was correlated with serum cholesterol and HDL-risk factor values. Weight was also correlated with these variables as well as with serum triglyceride concentrations. A high prevalence of obesity was found among the middle-aged sedentary men.