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[Lipid distribution in the adult population of Catalonia]
P Plans1, J Ruigómez, H Pardell
1Departament de Sanitat i Seguretat Social, Hospital de la Cruz Roja de l'Hospitalet, Barcelona.
Insights
High cholesterol levels increase cardiovascular disease risk. This study in Catalonia found hypercholesterolemia associated with hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, highlighting the need for cardiovascular risk management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Clinical biochemistry
- Public health
Context:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health concern.
- Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly LDL-cholesterol, and low HDL-cholesterol are established risk factors for CVDs.
- Understanding lipid profiles and associated risk factors in specific populations is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose:
- To investigate lipid concentrations, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and its association with other cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population of Catalonia, Spain.
- To determine the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and smoking.
- To provide data on lipid distribution for public health initiatives.
Summary:
- A random sample of 314 adults (16+ years) in Catalonia had their lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) and cardiovascular risk factors assessed.
- Hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥ 240 mg/dl) was prevalent in 25% of men and 24% of women.
- Individuals with hypercholesterolemia showed significantly higher odds of hypertension (OR adj. = 2.77), obesity (OR = 1.89), and diabetes (OR = 1.99).
Impact:
- The findings indicate a significant association between hypercholesterolemia and key cardiovascular risk factors in the Catalan adult population.
- This study contributes to the understanding of CVD risk profiles in Mediterranean populations.
- Results can inform public health policies and clinical practice for CVD prevention and management in the region.
Background:
High concentrations of total and LDL-cholesterol and low concentrations of HDL-cholesterol are related to morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. In this study, lipid concentration, prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and the association between hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular risk factors was investigated in a random sample of adult population of Catalonia (Spain).
Methods:
A random sample of adult population of Catalonia aged 16 or more years was obtained. The sample was of 314 individuals, 156 men and 158 women. Serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were determined. Other cardiovascular risk factors were investigated: hypertension, smoking, body mass index, history of diabetes, and history of coronary heart disease.
Results:
Total and LDL-cholesterol levels were similar in both sexes, with a mean of 211 mg/dl for the first 140 mg/dl for the latter. In contrast, triglyceride levels were higher in men (95 mg/dl) than in women (70 mg/dl), and HDL-cholesterol levels were higher in women (60 mg/dl) than in men (51 mg/dl) (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides concentration increased with age in both sexes. Total cholesterol values were > or = 240 mg/dl in 25% of men and 24% of women. Individuals with hypercholesterolemia had a higher prevalence of hypertension, obesity and diabetes was than normocholesterolemic individuals. The odds ratio was 3.68 for hypertension, 1.89 for obesity and 1.99 for diabetes. The adjusted odds ratio was statistically significant for hypertension (OR adj. = 2.77).
Conclusion:
The distribution of lipid values observed in the adult population of Catalonia was similar to that observed in other Mediterranean populations.