Prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia in young asymptomatic medical professionals of a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a condition characterised by an elevation of triglycerides and small-dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) and a reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL Cholestrol). Prevalence studies from India is less and are of small scale in nature. There are no studies among medical and paramedical professionals that document the prevalence of dyslipidemia in India. In order to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in young asymptomatic medical and paramedical professionals, the following study was done with lipid profile and with Atherogenic Index of plasma (AIP), Castelli’s Risk Ratio I&II (CRR I&II). From May 2016 to August 2016, a cross-sectional study was done among medical and paramedical professionals (N=120) aged between 18-40 years working in a tertiary care hospital. Fasting and post prandial blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, atherogenic ratios and BMI were calculated. Among the 120 participants (80 doctors; 40 nurses), 43(35.8%) were males and 77(64.1%) were females. Out of 120 participants, 79 (65.8%) had BMI within the normal range, 37 (30.8%) had BMI 25-30 and 4 (3.4%) of them had BMI 30-35. Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a potent marker of coronary artery disease risk, especially among asymptomatic young individuals. Indices for coronary risk assessment are more potent than lipid profile. They can be used as effective screening tool in clinical settings and epidemiological studies. Young individuals engaged in white collar jobs must be screened for atherogenic dyslipidemia from an early age to prevent coronary artery disease.