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Published on: November 10, 2017
Global epidemiology of dyslipidaemias
Angela Pirillo1,2, Manuela Casula2,3, Elena Olmastroni3
1Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, E. Bassini Hospital, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy.
Insights
Dyslipidaemias, or abnormal blood lipid levels, are increasingly common and pose significant cardiovascular disease risks. Managing these lipid alterations is crucial for public health, especially in diabetic populations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Dyslipidaemias, alterations in plasma lipid profiles, are linked to various clinical conditions.
- Elevated LDL-cholesterol is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor, with its impact on mortality increasing over time.
- Other forms like hypertriglyceridaemia are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and acute pancreatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing global burden of dyslipidaemias.
- To emphasize the association between dyslipidaemia and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- To underscore the importance of managing lipid abnormalities, particularly in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on dyslipidaemia prevalence and mortality trends.
- Analysis of the relationship between specific lipid profiles (LDL-C, triglycerides, HDL-C) and associated diseases.
- Examination of the impact of dyslipidaemia in the context of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Main Results:
- The global burden of dyslipidaemias has significantly increased over the last 30 years.
- Elevated LDL-cholesterol has risen as a leading cause of death.
- Atherogenic dyslipidaemia (high triglycerides, low HDL-C, small LDL particles) is highly prevalent in diabetic and metabolic syndrome patients, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Conclusions:
- Dyslipidaemias represent a growing global health challenge with substantial cardiovascular implications.
- Effective management of lipid abnormalities, especially in individuals with diabetes, is essential for reducing cardiovascular disease burden.
- Further research and public health initiatives are needed to address the increasing prevalence and impact of dyslipidaemias.
Abstract:
Dyslipidaemias are alterations to the plasma lipid profile that are often associated with clinical conditions. Dyslipidaemias, particularly elevated plasma LDL-cholesterol levels, are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but some forms, such as hypertriglyceridaemia, are associated with severe diseases in other organ systems, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and acute pancreatitis. Dyslipidaemias can be genetically determined (primary or familial dyslipidaemias) or secondary to other conditions (such as diabetes mellitus, obesity or an unhealthy lifestyle), the latter being more common. Hypercholesterolaemia is the most common form of dyslipidaemia and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with elevated plasma LDL-cholesterol levels being the 15th leading risk factor for death in 1990, rising to 11th in 2007 and 8th in 2019. The global burden of dyslipidaemias has increased over the past 30 years. Furthermore, the combination of high triglyceride levels and low HDL-cholesterol levels (together with the presence of small, dense LDL particles), referred to as atherogenic dyslipidaemia, is highly prevalent in patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome and increases their risk of cardiovascular disease. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, treating lipid abnormalities in these patients might reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
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