Work

Sex differences in hypercholesterolemia management (2002−2022): evidence from the Swiss National Health Surveys

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate sex differences in hypercholesterolemia management (screening, diagnosis, treatment, control) in Switzerland (2002-2022); secondarily, to examine whether these disparities changed over time and varied by age. Methods: = 72,804; 53.9 % female). Multivariable logistic regressions were adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle covariates. Age-stratified analyses used >50 years as a proxy for menopause. Results: After multivariable adjustment, no significant sex differences in screening were observed except in 2022. Across all survey years, females were consistently less likely to be diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia (e.g., OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.61, 0.70 in 2022) or to be treated once diagnosed (e.g., OR 0.77, 95 % CI 0.68, 0.88 in 2022), with no evidence of narrowing over time. Among treated participants, cholesterol control was initially higher in females (2002-2007) but showed no sex difference by 2022. Age-stratified analyses indicated that the magnitude and direction of sex disparities varied by age. Conclusion: This study indicates age-specific sex differences across all stages of self-reported hypercholesterolemia management in Switzerland over two decades.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103266

Authors: Shun Yi, Roxane de La Harpe, Pedro Marques-Vidal

Institutions: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne

Language: English

Topic: Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610