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Ethnic trends in lipid tests in general practice
M W France1, S Kwok, P McElduff
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Barlow Medical Centre, Manchester, UK. mfrance@labmed.cmht.nwest.nhs.uk
QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Lipid testing rates were similar between South Asian and non-South Asian populations. However, dyslipidaemia patterns differed, particularly in South Asian women, impacting cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- South Asian migrants exhibit higher cardiovascular mortality compared to indigenous populations.
- Lower uptake and adherence to cardiovascular risk assessment may contribute to this disparity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lipid testing rates, follow-up, and dyslipidaemia patterns in South Asian versus non-South Asian individuals in Manchester.
- To identify potential differences in cardiovascular risk factors between ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional survey of lipid testing data from 14 general practices.
- Ethnicity was assigned using name recognition software.
- Analysis focused on lipid testing rates, cholesterol trends, and dyslipidaemia profiles.
Main Results:
- Lipid testing rates were comparable between South Asian and non-South Asian men, but higher in South Asian women.
- While cholesterol trends with repeat testing were similar, South Asian women showed lower total cholesterol and HDL, with a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia.
- South Asian men also had lower total cholesterol and HDL levels compared to non-South Asians.
Conclusions:
- Lipid testing rates and cholesterol level changes over time did not significantly differ between ethnic groups.
- Distinct dyslipidaemia patterns were observed in the South Asian population, especially women, suggesting a need for tailored cardiovascular risk assessment strategies.