Why Is This Important?

Cholesterol testing is considered a necessary preventive health care measure. High blood cholesterol has been linked to hardening of the arteries, heart disease, as well an increased risk of death from heart attacks.

Definition

Proportion of adults aged 18 and older who have had their blood cholesterol checked by a health professional within the past five years.

Data Sources

• Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, Center for Health Statistics, New Jersey Department of Health
  (http://www.nj.gov/health/chs/njbrfs/)
• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

In 2021, approximately 90% of New Jersey adults have had their blood cholesterol checked by a health professional within the past five years. Asians (92.4%) and Whites (90.7%) have a higher prevalence of cholesterol screenings compared to Blacks (89.4%) and Hispanics (84.9%).

What Is Being Done?

The National Diabetes Education Program has instituted the ABC campaign which promotes the screening for A1c (blood glucose), Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol as monitoring measures to help control diabetes and heart disease. Heart disease is a major complication of diabetes and the Department of Health has suggested that target values for A1c , Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol be established by health providers in partnership with patients based on their individual circumstances.

Health Program Information

NJDOH Chronic Disease Program: [http://nj.gov/health/fhs/chronic/index.shtml]