High cholesterol is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. One in five adults is affected. In this context, Santé publique France oversees the monitoring and prevention of high cholesterol.

Comprehensive surveillance of hypercholesterolemia

Surveillance of hypercholesterolemia in France relies on the use of:

• Population-based surveys with health examinations to estimate prevalence:

  • the Health Study on the Environment, Biomonitoring, Physical Activity, and Nutrition (Esteban), conducted in 2014–2016;

  • the National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) conducted in 2006–2007;

  • the MONA LISA study conducted between 2005 and 2007 in three regions of France (Bas-Rhin, Haute-Garonne, Lille Urban Community).

• The National Health Data System (SNDS) for estimating the prevalence of patients receiving lipid-lowering treatment.

Preventive measures against hypercholesterolemia

As part of its prevention mission, Santé Publique France provides information and recommends appropriate preventive measures, such as lifestyle and dietary changes to lower cholesterol levels.
We have created the mangerbouger.fr website, featuring a portal for the general public and a portal dedicated to healthcare professionals. The general public can find, in particular, the “Menu Builder” tool, which offers advice on balanced meals. As for healthcare professionals, they can find an article on fat consumption.

• Information for healthcare professionals

Based on its hypercholesterolemia surveillance program, Santé publique France published two articles in the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin: one in 2013 on the results of the ENNS study, and the other in 2018 on the results of the Esteban study.