High-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and other serum lipids in a New Zealand biracial adolescent sample. The Wairoa College survey.

Among New Zealand adolescents, Maoris have lower serum high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels and higher serum triglyceride levels than non-Maoris. Boys have lower high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels than girls. Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels do not show sex/race differences. These findings are reflected in an excess of hyperlipidaemia type IV in Maori girls. There may be a relation between these lipid distributions and the excess Maori mortality, especially among females, from ischaemic heart-disease.