Association between Berlin Questionnaire Index and lipid profile

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea, are increasingly recognized for their systemic health implications.
• Lipid profile abnormalities are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the Berlin Questionnaire index, a tool for assessing sleep apnea risk, and lipid profiles.
• To examine these associations stratified by gender.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of the Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health (EBMSP).
• Data collection involved a validated questionnaire and laboratory blood sample analysis.
• A total of 73 employees were included in the final sample.

Main Results:

• In men, a positive Berlin Questionnaire index (indicating high risk of respiratory sleep disorder) was associated with significantly higher total cholesterol (202 ± 19 vs. 180 ± 40, p=0.040) and LDL-c (137 ± 17 vs. 113 ± 34, p=0.048).
• Men with a positive Berlin index also exhibited significantly lower HDL-c levels (37 ± 6 vs. 42.5 ± 8, p=0.047) compared to those without.
• No significant associations were found between the Berlin Questionnaire index and lipid profiles in women.

Conclusions:

• The Berlin Questionnaire index is associated with adverse lipid profiles in men, suggesting a link between respiratory sleep disorders and dyslipidemia.
• These findings highlight the importance of screening for sleep disorders in men with abnormal lipid levels.
• Further research is warranted to explore these associations in women and to elucidate underlying mechanisms.