HDL and associated factors stratified by sex and menopausal status: results from a community-based survey in Taiwan

AIM: To investigate factors, especially modifiable factors associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in Taiwanese based on sex and menopausal status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants comprised 2022 men and 2392 women (1267 menopausal and 1125 non-menopausal) aged ≥30 years who resided in Pingzhen district, Taoyuan from 2006-2011. Their data, obtained through questionnaires and measurements were retrieved from the Li-Shin Hospital. RESULTS: Higher HDL was associated with total cholesterol, underweight, and alcohol drinking in both men and women. It was also associated with education, blood group B, and marital status in men as well as with age in women. Moreover, it was associated with total cholesterol, underweight, and age in both menopausal and non-menopausal women. Furthermore, it was associated with marital status in non-menopausal women and alcohol drinking in menopausal women. Lower HDL was associated with triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), overweight, obesity, waist-hip ratio (WHR), uric acid, and smoking in both men and women and with coffee drinking in only women. It was also associated with uric acid, triglycerides, LDL, overweight, obesity, WHR, and body fat in both menopausal and non-menopausal women. Moreover, it was associated with coffee drinking in menopausal women. CONCLUSION: Modifiable factors associated with HDL differ according to sex and menopausal status. Sex and menopausal status should be considered when implementing lifestyle changes to raise HDL. For example, both men and women should maintain a normal weight as well as quit smoking.