Prevalence and risk factor analysis of early-onset dyslipidemia-a cross-sectional study of 3.7 million population

China has a large population, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia varies across regions. The prevalence of dyslipidemia is closely associated with the increasing burden of cardiovascular disease. Currently, there is a lack of high-quality data on early-onset dyslipidemia in Northwest China. This study aims to comprehensively assess the prevalence and risk factors of early-onset dyslipidemia among adults in this region, providing epidemiological evidence for disease prevention and health promotion.

This is a cross-sectional study based on the universal health check-up program conducted in northwestern China from January to December 2019. Adults (aged 18 to 65 years old) living in both rural and urban areas were included. Participants received a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including liver and kidney function, complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile.

This study included a total of 3,559,141 participants (43.2% male and 56.8% female). The prevalence of early-onset dyslipidemia was 25.7%, with hypercholesterolemia accounting for 3.6%, hypertriglyceridemia for 10.6%, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for 2.7%, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for 14.5%. Abnormalities in a single lipid parameter were observed in 20.5% of participants, while abnormalities in two, three, and four lipid parameters were observed in 4.6%, 0.6%, and 0.1% of participants, respectively. Male sex, age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity were all significant risk factors for early-onset dyslipidemia.

The age-standardized prevalence of early-onset dyslipidemia and its subtypes in Northwest China remains lower than the national level. Existing evidence consistently indicates that males, advancing age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity are independent risk factors for early-onset dyslipidemia. Therefore, systematic screening should be initiated for this population (< 40 years old), with stratified management involving enhanced lifestyle interventions combined with evidence-based lipid-lowering medications.