[Epidemiological study of hyperlipemia in a Lebanese population]

An epidemiological study was conducted on 500 persons (60% women and 40% men) from the medico-technical staff of the "Hôtel-Dieu de France" (Lebanon center for hospitalization and medical formation) in order to establish the lipid profile of the Lebanese population. The following results were obtained (mean values): total cholesterol 5.27 mmol/l (SD = 1.04), HDLc 1.28 mmol/l (SD = 0.40), LDLc 3, 31mmol/l (SD = 0.94), Triglycerides 1.55 mmol/l (SD = 1.55), glucose 5 mmol/l (SD = 0.80), Fibrinogen 3.09 g/l (SD = 0.67) and Lipoprotein (a) 0.20 g/l (SD = 0.253) with 20% of the population having Lp(a) values greater than 0.3 g/l. The distribution of these parameters in regard to the sex, age, Lebanese regions origin, body mass index and the waist to hips ratio, as well as tobacco consumption, alimentary habits, personal and familial history of dyslipidemia or coronary diseases, are reported. The results of Lp(a) measurements and correlations to other parameters confirm its importance as an independent risk factor for coronary problems. The significant percentage of subjects with lipid levels higher than those recommended by the NCEP, 19% for total cholesterol, 27% for LDL cholesterol and 20% for Lp(a), has to be seriously considered.