Dyslipidemia and the Current State of Cardiovascular Disease: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Effect of Lipid

Liam R Brunham1, Eva Lonn2, Shamir R Mehta3

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Insights

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major global health concern, particularly in Canada. Effective prevention strategies targeting risk factors like dyslipidemia are crucial for reducing ASCVD burden.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Ischemic heart disease and stroke are leading global causes of mortality.
  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) represents a significant public health challenge, ranking second to cancer deaths in Canada.
  • Disease burden exhibits notable variations based on sex, geography, and socioeconomic status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current burden, epidemiology, and risk factors of ASCVD, with a focus on Canada.
  • To discuss the universal applicability of epidemiological trends and risk factor management, particularly lipid lowering therapies.
  • To highlight emerging risk factors and advanced tools like polygenic risk scores for early identification and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of ASCVD burden, epidemiology, and risk factors.
  • Analysis of epidemiological trends, with emphasis on Canadian data and global relevance.
  • Discussion of established and emerging risk factors, including dyslipidemia and polygenic risk scores.

Main Results:

  • ASCVD is a leading cause of death globally and in Canada.
  • Significant disparities in ASCVD burden exist across different demographic groups.
  • Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B are key contributors to ASCVD.

Conclusions:

  • Lowering low-density lipoprotein/apolipoprotein B levels is critical for ASCVD treatment and prevention.
  • Integrated strategies addressing clinical, social, and economic factors are essential for reducing ASCVD.
  • Early identification through tools like polygenic risk scores can enhance preventative measures.

Related Concept Videos

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
610
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
142
Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
1.2K
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ...
712
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body01:31

Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various  biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
4.3K
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
524