Project Summary
Principle Investigator: Ira S. Ockene, M.D.

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This study explores the nature and causes of seasonal fluctuations in blood cholesterol. The primary aim of the study is to definitevely describe and delineate the causes of seasonal variation of blood lipid levels in the general population. Specifically, this study:

• Assesses the magnitude and timing of the seasonal effect of blood lipid levels in both sexes and at different ages, and in the important lipoprotein subfractions (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total triglycerides (TG, apolipoproteins AI, B, and lipoprotein (a)).
• Identifies and quantifies the effects of main factors determining the variation.
• Assesses the seasonal variation of other blood elements throught to play a role in the development of coronary heart disease, including hemostatic factors and antioxidants.
• Explore the implications of the phenomenon of seasonal variation for public health policy.