In 2022, 14.8% of the population in Switzerland reported that they had high cholesterol levels or that they were taking medication for this. Since 2012 (8.8%), this percentage has increased.
Men (2022:17.4%) are more likely to have high cholesterol levels than women (12.2%). Older people, especially those aged 65 and above, are affected more frequently than younger people. High cholesterol levels are also more common in people having completed no more than compulsory schooling (23.6%) than those with an upper-secondary level qualification (17.6%) or those with a tertiary qualification (13.9%).
This indicator is part of the Monitoring System Addiction and NCD (MonAM) of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
Blood fats and lipids such as cholesterol are essential to the organism's metabolism. However, some types of cholesterol are mainly good for health and some types have a rather more negative impact. Too much LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol in particular has a negative impact. This promotes atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries) and hence the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The amount of LDL cholesterol in a person's blood can be lowered by a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, sufficient exercise and avoiding nicotine. Medication can also lower cholesterol levels (Swiss Heart Foundation, 2024).
This indicator was calculated on the basis of data from the Swiss Health Survey (SHS, n2022 ≈ 22 000) and is updated every five years.
It shows the percentage of the population aged 15 and above living in a private household who stated themselves that they have high cholesterol levels and/or took medication for high cholesterol levels in the seven days prior to the survey.
The indicator is based on the following two questions:
An explanation of socio-demographic variables can be found in the document: Definition of the characteristics
Standardisation: Use the slider above the graphic to display the age and sex-standardised figures. Standardisation levels out age- and gender-specific differences in comparisons between different population groups (e.g. between cantons or educational levels) and over time. More information: Standardisation – explanation and calculation
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