Within the framework of the National cholesterol program, 16,384 pupils of primary schools aged 10.5–13 years and high schools aged 16–18.5 years were examined in Slovakia. The examination included total cholesterol (TCH) and more than 40 parameters which encompassed body mass, age, body mass index, familial load concerning errors of lipid metabolism etc. For the sake of comparison, the results of a re-screening of 761 adults classified in decades of age were included. Regional, age and sex-related differences in TCH concentrations as well as those related to social status were observed. The means and limits of variability in TCH concentrations (CI 5–95%) related to age groups and area of life were determined. In addition to these data on TCH, the research revealed that it was impossible to set general limit values for all age groups and different social groups, which proved to be often different. A certain defined RCH values for primary and secondary prevention is debatable indicating that its definition required a national or international consensus. In hereditary-based hypercholesterolemia, polygenic hypercholesterolemia occurs at the rate of 1:20.

        Key words: total cholesterol, body mass index, age, sex, pupils