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Published on: January 28, 2021

Hypercholesterolemia among apparently healthy university students

Said M Shawar1, Neda A Al-Bati, Ali Al-Mahameed

  • 1Biotechnology Program, School of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Oman Medical Journal
|October 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypercholesterolemia (HC) affects 26.5% of young students in the Arab Gulf. After counseling, 15.6% still had HC, suggesting a potential genetic link and need for further research into this coronary heart disease risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • Limited data exists on HC prevalence among youth in Arab Gulf countries.
  • Assessing HC in young, healthy university students can identify early CHD risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence of HC in young, healthy university students in the Arab Gulf.
  • To identify potential risk factors and associations with HC in this demographic.
  • To inform future strategies for CHD prevention in young populations.

Main Methods:

  • Lipid profiles, glucose, total protein, albumin, TSH, and hsCRP were analyzed in 166 students (ages 16-30).
  • Lifestyle, medical history, and BMI were assessed via questionnaires and measurements.
  • Data analysis included Chi-Square tests with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Main Results:

  • 26.5% of students initially presented with primary hypercholesterolemia (PHC).
  • After counseling, 15.6% remained hypercholesterolemic.
  • Significant correlations were found between high total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, hsCRP, and TC/HDL-C (p<0.001). Males showed higher TC/HDL-C and hsCRP.

Conclusions:

  • A notable percentage of young students exhibit PHC, warranting further investigation.
  • A genetic component is suspected to contribute to the high PHC prevalence.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing HC and preventing future CHD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)HypercholesterolemiaUniversity StudentshsCRP

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