Serum low-density lipoprotein levels in a New Zealand population sample

Low-density lipoprotein levels have been determined in 1109 men and 745 women from a New Zealand urban population. Particular care was taken to obtain adequate samples from either extremity of the age range, 15–71 years and over. High molecular weight Dextran Sulphate was employed as the polyanion in a turbidometric method for low-density lipoprotein assay. A logarithmic normal distribution of low-density lipoprotein levels was found in the total population sample, and in sub-groups selected according to age and sex. The changes in mean low-density lipoprotein level with age showed differing patterns between the sexes. Possible explanations for the logarithmic normal distribution are discussed. It is suggested that the differences between mean low-density lipoprotein values in men and women may be a reflection of differing hormonal patterns operating over successive decades.