Serum lipoproteins in Japanese rural community with low cardiovascular mortality.

The lipid profiles of sera obtained from the adult inhabitants of a rural community with low cardiovascular mortality named Kin-cho in Okinawa were studied by the lipoprotein profiling system. The results were compared with those of the control sera obtained from healthy adults in Tokyo. Serum lipid profiles of the inhabitants in Kin-cho revealed significantly higher HDL cholesterol and significantly lower atherogenic indices than those of the control group in both sexes. The favorable lipid profiles as well as the open-minded temperament of Kin-cho inhabitants and favorable weather conditions are supposed to contribute to their long life expectancy and low cardiovascular mortality.