Lipid profile in a tertiary care center

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

• Lipid profiles are changing due to evolving developmental status and lifestyles in less developed countries.
• Coronary artery disease risk factors are rising globally.
• Understanding local lipid patterns is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the lipid profile patterns within the Department of Medicine at a tertiary care hospital.
• To assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the study population.

Main Methods:

• An observational prospective study was conducted.
• 408 subjects were enrolled between January 2009 and February 2010.
• Subjects were selected irrespective of comorbid conditions or coronary risk factors.

Main Results:

• Mean lipid levels: Triglycerides 138.3±78.3 mg/dL, Cholesterol 180.2±53.7 mg/dL, LDL 113.8±41.2 mg/dL, HDL 40.1±10.1 mg/dL.
• Prevalence of abnormalities: 35.5% high triglycerides, 7.6% high cholesterol, 67.9% high LDL, and 76% low HDL.
• Low HDL and high LDL were the most prevalent abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• The lipid profile is becoming increasingly atherogenic.
• High triglyceride, high LDL, and low HDL levels are common abnormalities.
• Epidemiological studies are recommended to ascertain the true disease burden in the community.