Variation of HDL cholesterol values in old age from around the world.

Reports of HDL cholesterol levels in the elderly from around the world show differences which could represent national or ethnic characteristics. However, statistical analysis reveals that such variations are hardly distinguishable from those generated by a group of independent laboratories in a single country. The differences in the international values may thus reflect only methodological variation, and thus be misleading if employed to relate HDLC levels to atherosclerotic complications in old age. Use of a common standard around the world could help resolve this uncertainty and provide a more reliable basis for study of the effects of race and culture upon HDLC in older people.