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Blood lipid concentrations and other cardiovascular risk factors among Saudis
S A al-Shammari1, M Ali, A al-Shammari
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
High prevalence of hyperlipidaemia was found in family practice patients. This condition, characterized by elevated total serum cholesterol concentration and hypertriglyceridaemia, increased with age and was linked to obesity and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hyperlipidaemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of hyperlipidaemia is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Primary healthcare settings offer a valuable opportunity for screening and early management of lipid disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia in family practice attenders.
- To investigate the association between hyperlipidaemia and sociodemographic characteristics.
- To explore the relationship between hyperlipidaemia and common clinical problems like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1005 family practice attenders.
- Total serum cholesterol concentration (TSCC) and hypertriglyceridaemia (TG) levels were measured.
- Sociodemographic data and clinical conditions including obesity (BMI > 29.9 kg/m2), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were recorded.
Main Results:
- 39.3% of patients had TSCC between 5.2-6.8 mmol/l, and 9.5% had TSCC > 6.8 mmol/l.
- 5% of patients exhibited hypertriglyceridaemia (TG > 2.5 mmol/l).
- TSCC showed a progressive increase with age, peaking in the seventh decade, and was higher in obese and diabetic patients.
Conclusions:
- Hyperlipidaemia is prevalent among family practice patients, with significant proportions exceeding normal lipid levels.
- Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are common comorbidities associated with hyperlipidaemia in this population.
- There is an urgent need for enhanced training and resources in primary healthcare to manage lifestyle modifications and screen high-risk individuals for hyperlipidaemia and other coronary risk factors.
Abstract:
A study of 1005 family practice attenders at King Fahad National Guard Hospital was conducted during February 1993 to determine the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia and its association with participants' sociodemographic characteristics and clinical problems. The percentage of patients with total serum cholesterol concentration (TSCC) of 5.2-6.8 mmol/l was 39.3%, while those with TSCC exceeding 6.8 mmol/l was 9.5%. Hypertriglyceridaemia (TG > 2.5 mmol/l) was found in 5%. TSCC increased progressively with age up to the seventh decade. TSCC was higher among obese and diabetic patients than others. Obesity body mass index (BMI) > 29.9 kg/m2 was found in 32.8%, diabetes mellitus in 24.2%, hypertension in 11.1% and both diabetes and hypertension in 6.4%. There is an urgent need to equip primary health care teams with training and resources to help them give proper dietary advice, modify the local lifestyle and screen at least high-risk groups for hyperlipidaemia and other coronary risk factors.