Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Management Strategies of Hyperlipidemia Among Adolescents of a Tertiary Care Rural...

Hyperlipidemia is the abnormal blood lipid levels, which are increasingly being recognized in adolescents, a critical stage for establishing lifelong metabolic health. Early dyslipidemia contributes to premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, major global causes of mortality. In India, rising obesity, unhealthy diets, and reduced physical activity among youth have accelerated this trend. The burden is likely underestimated in rural areas, where screening is rare and awareness is low, allowing many cases to remain undetected until adulthood.

To determine the prevalence and identify the demographic, lifestyle, and clinical risk factors associated with hyperlipidemia among adolescents of a rural tertiary care Indian setting in India.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among students aged 15-19 years. Participants were evaluated for demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, lipid profile parameters, lifestyle behaviors, and awareness regarding hyperlipidemia. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant associations using t-tests and chi-square tests.

Significant gender-based differences were observed in demographic variables, including age, height, and weight, among adolescents with hyperlipidemia (p = 0.000), although BMI was not statistically different between males and females (p = 0.715). Lipid profile variations were seen across academic years and gender. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides showed significant differences in Class-10 students (p = 0.000, p = 0.006), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels became significantly elevated in Class-11 students (p = 0.002). In Class 12, LDL and triglycerides remained significantly associated (p = 0.006, p = 0.000).

Hyperlipidemia in adolescents is influenced by a combination of demographic characteristics, lipid profile abnormalities, lifestyle behaviors, and awareness levels. Early lifestyle interventions, education, and regular screening are warranted to reduce future cardiovascular risk in this vulnerable age group.