Cholesterol

Elevated serum cholesterol level is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Serum cholesterol level is associated with the consumption of saturated fats, e.g. fatty dairy products and meat.

  • In North Karelia, Finland, the serum cholesterol levels were remarkably high for some decades ago. The cholesterol levels have, however, been steadily decreasing.
  • On the contrary, in Pitkäranta, the Republic of Karelia, the cholesterol levels have been rising since 1992.
  • In North Karelia, the cholesterol levels are higher among men, while in Pitkäranta women tend to have a higher cholesterol level than men.

Serum total cholesterol in North Karelia, Finland (1982–2007) and Pitkäranta, the Republic of Karelia (1992–2007).

Figure 1. Serum total cholesterol in North Karelia, Finland (1982–2007) and Pitkäranta, the Republic of Karelia (1992–2007).

More information about cholesterol levels in Russian and Finnish Karelia can be found in a series of pictures.
Cholesterol (PDF 345 KB).