Abnormal Lipid Levels Research Articles

Lipid screening in children and adolescents in community practice: 2007 to 2010.

Integrated guidelines on cardiovascular health and risk reduction in children issued in 2011 newly recommended universal screening for dyslipidemia in children at 9 to 11 years and 17 to 21 years. We determined the frequency and results of lipid testing in 301 080 children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 enrolled in 3 large US health systems in 2007 to 2010 before the 2011 guidelines were issued. Overall, 9.8% of the study population was tested for lipids. The proportion tested varied by body mass index percentile (5.9% of normal weight, 10.8% of overweight, and 26.9% of obese children) and age (8.9% of 9- to 11-year olds and 24.3% of 17- to 19-year olds). In normal weight individuals, 2.8% of 9- to 11-year olds and 22.0% of 17- to 19-year olds were tested. In multivariable models, age and body mass index category remained strongly associated with lipid testing. Sex, race, ethnicity, and blood pressure were weakly associated with testing. Abnormal lipid levels were found in 8.6% for total cholesterol, 22.5% for high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, 12.0% for non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, 8.0% for low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and 21% for triglycerides (age, 10-19 years). There was a strong and graded association of abnormal lipid levels with body mass index, particularly for high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides (2- to 6-fold higher odds ratio in obese when compared with that in normal weight children). Lipid screening was uncommon in 9- to 11-year olds and was performed in a minority of 17- to 19-year olds during 2007 to 2010. These data serve as a benchmark for assessing change in practice patterns after the new recommendations for pediatric lipid screening and management.

Ventricular fibrillation in a marathon mountain bike racer

A 41-year-old man with no concomitant chronic diseases, an amateur cyclist and runner, was admitted because of ventricular fibrillation preceded by chest pain which took place on a 32 km marathon mountain bike race. After a fourth defibrillation performed by medical emergency services, sinus rhythm was restored and ST-elevations in anterior and lateral leads occurred (Fig. 1). The patient was immediately transferred to the catheterisation laboratory. On admission he was conscious with Glasgow Coma Scale 15. Signs of cardiogenic shock including tachycardia, decreased blood pressure (80/40 mm Hg), tachypnoea and hypoxemia were present. During coronary angiography, left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion with proximal thrombus was demonstrated (Fig. 2). Other coronary arteries were normal. After thrombectomy, atherosclerotic stenosis of LAD was revealed and consequently a zotarolimus-eluting stent was implanted (Fig. 3). The patient was treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist. The laboratory tests demonstrated signs of tissue hypoperfusion: metabolic acidosis (pH = 6.9; base excess = –23), hypoxemia (partial pressure of oxygen = 57 mm Hg, oxygen saturation = 86%), elevated creatinine (270 μmol/L [n 42,000 μg/L [n < 500]). The first measured troponin I level was normal (0.05 μg/L [n < 0.1]). After coronary angioplasty, immediate cardiac output improvement was achieved with an increase of oxygen saturation and normalisation of blood pressure. Transthoracic echocardiography delineated akinesia limited to the left ventricular apex with preserved global ejection fraction of 55%. During the first day of hospitalisation, some complications of standard antiplatelet (aspirin, clopidogrel, abciximab) and antithrombotic (unfractionated heparin) treatment appeared. The patient had subconjunctival haemorrhages, a massive haematoma of the tongue affecting swallowing and speech, and nasal mucose membrane bleeding. These complications are fairly frequently observed in patients with acid-base imbalances and do not require modification of the antiplatelet therapy. Of the risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), only abnormal blood lipid level was present (total cholesterol = 6.0 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol = 3.9 mmol/L). This case shows that a combination of extreme physical activity and competition between non professional athletes might be a strong stressor for the cardiovascular system and furthermore a possible cause of sudden cardiac death in individuals with concomitant CAD. This emphasises the need for thorough medical work-up for people wanting to participate in amateur, organised competition, especially those aged over 35.

Cardiovascular risk calculation

Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of global mortality and morbidity. Atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause in the majority of cardiovascular disease events. Traditional independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease include age, abnormal lipid levels, elevated blood pressure, smoking and elevated blood sugar levels (diabetes mellitus). These risk factors are incorporated into a risk score, such as the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), that is used to predict an individual’s absolute risk of a cardiovascular event, typically over the next 10 years, e.g. 15% risk over 10 years. These risk scores are useful in predicting risk in populations, but their ability to predict a cardiovascular event in an individual patient is not accurate and varies considerably across different populations. Currently, there are three methods of calculating cardiovascular risk. These are risk charts, e.g. FRS, a non-laboratory-based risk calculation, and lastly, screening for subclinical cardiac disease.

Serum Lipid Profile, Serum Magnesium and Fasting Serum Glucose in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Type 2 diabetes is considered as a major health burden due to its rising prevalence and disabling, life threatening complications. Dyslipidemia, often coexisting with T2DM as a feature of insulin resistance, is hypothesized to be linked with altered magnesium homeostasis. This study was designed to evaluate the serum magnesium levels and its influence on serum lipids in type 2 diabetics. Lipid profile, serum magnesium (Mg) and fasting serum glucose (FSG) were measured in 30 newly diagnosed normotensive type 2 diabetic patients chosen as cases (Group II) just before introducing any treatment, and was compared with that of 30 healthy controls (Group I). The serum magnesium was found to be significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) and LDL-c was found to be significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) in cases. The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association of FSG to serum magnesium (r= -0.720), total cholesterol (r=-0.483) and a positive correlation to HDL-c (r=-0.440). However, serum magnesium showed a significant positive relation only with serum HDL-c (r =0.372, p&lt;0.05). Serum magnesium and lipid fractions showed wide range of variation within the normal reference ranges in the newly diagnosed T2D subjects. Further large scale studies are needed to elucidate the association of serum magnesium with lipid profile changes. Estimation of serum magnesium level may prove useful in T2DM with normal or abnormal lipid levels or in those who are prone to develop dyslipidemia or certain complications associated with dyslipidemia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v7i1.18572 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2014; 7(1): 4-8

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Cardiovascular Disorders: A Roadmap for the Future

The World Health Organization lists ischemic heart disease and stroke as the top 2 leading causes of death worldwide in 2011, responsible for 7 million and 6.2 million deaths, respectively.1 The concept of risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) was introduced in 1961, based on epidemiologic observations from the Framingham Heart Study. Hypertension and abnormal blood lipid levels were key risk factors shown to be associated with an increased risk of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death; later, stroke was identified as an important outcome as well, especially in women and racial/ethnic subgroups. Accordingly, clinicians want to provide their patients with the best possible advice with respect to the management of cardiovascular risk, often implementing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines designed to improve health outcomes.

The Regulation of Alfalfa Saponin Extract on Key Genes Involved in Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism in Hyperlipidemic Rats

To investigate the cholesterol-lowering effects of alfalfa saponin extract (ASE) and its regulation mechanism on some key genes involved in cholesterol metabolism, 40 healthy 7 weeks old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups with 10 rats in each group: control group, hyperlipidemic group, ASE treatment group, ASE prevention group. The body weight gain, relative liver weight and serum lipid 1evels of rats were determined. Total cholesterol (TC) and total bile acids (TBA) levels in liver and feces were also measured. Furthermore, the activity and mRNA expressions of Hmgcr, Acat2, Cyp7a1 and Ldlr were investigated. The results showed the following: (1) The abnormal serum lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats were ameliorated by ASE administration (both ASE prevention group and treatment group) (P<0.05). (2) Both ASE administration to hyperlipidemic rats significantly reduced liver TC and increased liver TBA level (P<0.05). TC and TBA levels in feces of hyperlipidemic rats were remarkably elevated by both ASE administration (P<0.05). (3) mRNA expressions of Hmgcr and Acat2 in the liver of hyperlipidemic rats were remarkably down-regulated (P<0.05), as well as mRNA expressions of Cyp7a1 and Ldlr were dramatically up-regulated by both ASE administration (P<0.05). The activities of these enzymes also paralleled the observed changes in mRNA levels. (4) There was no significant difference between ASE treatment and ASE prevention group for most parameters evaluated. Our present study indicated that ASE had cholesterol-lowering effects. The possible mechanism could be attributed to (1) the down-regulation of Hmgcr and Acat2, as well as up-regulation of Cyp7a1 and Ldlr in the liver of hyperlipidemic rats, which was involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, uptake, and efflux pathway; (2) the increase in excretion of cholesterol. The findings in our study suggested ASE had great potential usefulness as a natural agent for treating hyperlipidemia.

Association Between C-Reactive Protein, Anthropometric and Lipid Parameters Among Healthy Normal Weight and Overweight Postmenopausal Women in Montenegro

Although C-reactive protein (CRP) is among the best cardiovascular disease risk predictors, data regarding the association of CRP and menopause are controversial. In this study, we measured CRP by a high-sensitivity method (hsCRP), cholesterol, lipoproteins, and triglycerides in normal and overweight postmenopausal women. Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hsCRP, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a) were measured in 30 normal weight and 60 overweight healthy postmenopausal women. Significantly higher triglyceride and hsCRP levels (P = 0.005 and P < 0.001 respectively), together with lower HDL-c levels (P = 0.001) were found in overweight compared to normal weight women. In the overweight group, positive correlations of hsCRP were observed with age, body mass index and WC (P = 0.016, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and a negative correlation was observed with HDL-c (P = 0.007). In the normal weight group, positive correlations were found for hsCRP with age and WC (P = 0.023 and P = 0.014, respectively). WC was the best predictor of hsCRP level in both groups (P < 0.001). Elevated hsCRP levels in conjunction with abnormal lipid profiles may be strongly associated with weight gain in postmenopausal women. Efforts to reduce obesity and inflammation in this group may help correct abnormal levels of hsCRP and lipids.

Lipid profile in children with coronary artery disease in Sindh, Pakistan.

To evaluate lipid profile in children with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The study included 100 children (6-15 years), of which 43 were children of young parents (one or both) with recognized CAD, while the other 57 were children with no evidence of CAD (controls). All were evaluated for fasting blood lipid profile. Blood samples were collected from patients with CAD and healthy controls and analysis of the levels of lipid profile were carried out using a kit method on Microlab 300. Children with CAD had significantly higher levels of total serum cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased levels of high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein compared to children in the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher, without any significant difference. CAD risk factors are significant regarding abnormal lipid levels. Genetic tendency seems to be important in the development of CAD in children.

A Study of Maternal Serum Lipids in Pregnancies Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia in a Cohort of Nigerian Women

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, that has adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Abnormal serum lipid levels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, this can give rise to increased oxidative stress and then subsequently, endothelial dysfunction. Methods: This study was a comparative cross-sectional study that involved fifty pregnant women that had pre-eclampsia and another fifty healthy pregnant women. Cases and controls were matched for Age in years, Parity, Gestational age in weeks and Body mass index in Kg/M2. Fasting venous blood samples were obtained and analyzed for serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) using enzymatic colorimetric method aided by Cobass C111 Autoanalyser machine. The Data was analyzed using Epi-info version 3.5.4, CDC, Atlanta, USA and P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age of the case and control groups were 28.86 + 4.50 Years and 29.9 + 4.95 Years respectively (P = 0.59). Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in terms of total Cholesterol (P = 0.98) and low density lipoprotein (P = 0.92). However, mean triglycerides (1.95 + 0.89 mmol/L versus 1.02 + 0.51 mmoI/L) was significantly higher in women with pre-eclampsia compared to the control (P= 0.0004) and a significant reduction in high density lipoprotein (0.79± 0.30 mmol/L versus 1.74 + 0.45 mmol/L) in the case group (P = 0.0005). Conclusion: In this study, Pre-eclampsia is associated with elevated serum triglycerides and reduced high density lipoprotein. These findings may serve as screening markers for preeclampsia.

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Armillaria mellea&lt;/i&gt; on Blood Lipid Levels and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity in High Fat Mice

The effect of Armillaria mellea on blood lipid levels and oxidative stress in mice fed on high-fat diet was investigated. Animals were allocated to the Armillaria mellea polysaccharides-treatment groups (I, II) and Armillaria mellea oligosaccharides-treatment groups (I, II). All mice were fed with high-fat diet for 40 days but control mice with basic diet. TC, TG, HDL-c, LDL-c were measured by enzymatic and colorimetric methods. The same, MDA,SOD, GSH-PX were measured. Results showed that administration of Armillaria mellea polysaccharides and oligosaccharides significantly increased antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px activities and decreased TC, TG, LDL-c, MDA level in mice (P &lt; 0.05) compared with model group. In conclusion Armillaria mellea polysaccharides and oligosaccharides were able to protect mices antioxidative and improve abnormal blood lipid levels.

Association between sugar consumption, sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical profiles

BackgroundThe increase in prevalence of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and abnormal blood lipid levels has raised the question of a possible relationship between these conditions and the consumption of sugar.ObjectivesThis study investigated the sugar consumption of financially-restricted Black women in Mangaung, South Africa.MethodFive hundred women were selected randomly and divided into younger (25–34 years) and older (35–44 years) groups. Dietary intake, sociodemographic status, anthropometry and biochemical data were obtained. Total sugar (TS) and added sugar (AS) consumption were compared between older and younger women as well as sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical categories.ResultsAS intake contributed 12% and 13% of total energy intake in younger and older women, respectively. AS consumption was higher in younger women living in brick houses and those who possessed a microwave oven. In older women, it was higher in husband-headed households. Underweight women with the lowest body mass index had higher sugar consumption than overweight and/or obese women. Women with a lower body fat percentage had a higher AS consumption than women with a high body fat percentage. Sugar consumption was significantly lower in younger women with elevated serum lymphocyte counts. TS and AS consumption was higher in younger women with elevated serum glucose levels. Older women with elevated serum insulin had a significantly higher TS consumption compared to those with normal insulin concentrations.ConclusionThe amounts of TS and AS consumed by women in this observational study were unlikely to contribute to overweight and/or obesity.

Association between Birth Characteristics and Coronary Disease Risk Factors among Fifth Graders

To evaluate the associations between selected birth characteristics-prematurity and poor intrauterine growth-and risk factors for coronary artery disease detected among children enrolled in the fifth grade. Children (n = 3054) with matched birth and fifth grade health screening data on body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, and fasting lipid profiles were analyzed using MANOVA with the following independent variables of weight gain by the fifth grade: BMI percentile, normal or overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 85 th percentile), prematurity, and intrauterine growth (ie, small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA], or large for gestational age [LGA]). LGA status at birth was associated with overweight/obesity later in life. In fifth grade, overweight/obese children had elevated systolic blood pressure and abnormal levels of most fasting serum lipids compared with normal-weight children regardless of birth characteristics. Beyond the effects of BMI percentile, preterm infants had higher levels of triglycerides (TG) than term infants by the fifth grade (P < .05). SGA infants who become overweight/obese had higher levels of TGs and very low-density lipoproteins compared with AGA and LGA infants, whether overweight or normal weight (P < .05). BMI ≥ 85 th percentile in the fifth grade is associated with abnormalities in most coronary artery risk factors regardless of birth characteristics. Beyond the effects of BMI percentile in the fifth grade, preterm infants had higher TG levels than term infants. SGA infants who were overweight/obese in the fifth grade had higher TG and very low-density lipoprotein levels compared with AGA and LGA infants who were overweight/obese or of normal weight in the fifth grade.

Abnormal Lipid levels as a risk factor of eclampsia, study conducted in tertiary care Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province - Pakistan

To evaluate abnormal lipid metabolism as a risk factor of eclampsia in pregnant women. This cross sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. Serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (APO-A1), APO-B100, lipoprotein-a (Lpa) were measured in 110 women with eclampsia and compared with 90 healthy pregnant women. Mean lipid levels in cases and controls were compared using student's t test". Mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure, TC, TG, VLDL-C and Lpa levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients compared to control women. Similarly TC: HDL-C, LDL-C: HDL-C and TG: HDL-C ratio in the patients group were significantly higher (p<0.001) and HDL-C: VLDL-C ratio was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the patients as compared to control group. Undesirable cholesterol were noted in 35.8% patients, HDL-C in 50.5%, borderline high concentration of LDL-C in 23.6%, high triglycerides levels in 73.2%, undesirable cholesterol ratio in 52.3% and undesirable LDL-C ratio were noted in 82.1% patients of eclampsia. Serum lipids were found significantly higher thus early assessment may be helpful in prevention of complications in the eclampsia patients.

The Controversy Over Obesity as a Disease: What Psychiatrists Should Know

The Controversy Over Obesity as a Disease: What Psychiatrists Should Know

Impact of lipid‐lowering therapy on the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in patients at high‐risk of cardiovascular events in UK primary care – a retrospective database study

SummaryAimsTo estimate the prevalence of dyslipidaemias in high-risk patients new to lipid-modifying therapy (LMT), and establish the extent to which these lipid abnormalities are addressed by treatment in UK clinical practice.MethodsThe PRIMULA study was a retrospective analysis, conducted using the UK General Practice Research Database. Two periods were studied as follows: a pretreatment period, defined as the 12 months before initiation of LMT (the index date), and a follow-up period of at least 12 months. Patients included in the study (n = 25,011) had dyslipidaemia with at least one abnormal lipid measurement [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or triglycerides (TG)] in the pretreatment period. All patients were at high risk of cardiovascular events, which was defined as having a history of cardiovascular disease, a 10-year Framingham risk score higher than 20%, diabetes or hypertension, as defined by the Joint British Societies 2 guidelines.ResultsAt the index date, 98% of patients were initiated on statin monotherapy. After 12 months of treatment, 15.2% (sub-group range: 11.0–22.9%) of all high-risk patients had no lipid abnormalities. The proportions of patients with high TC or LDL-C levels decreased from 98.8% to 68.9%, and from 99.2% to 68.7%, respectively, over 12 months. The prevalence of high TG levels decreased from 45.0% to 26.9%, whereas that of low HDL-C levels increased, from 16.6% to 18.0%. Risk factors for cardiovascular events were not consistently associated with the likelihood of attaining optimal lipid levels.ConclusionsDespite widespread use of statins, many individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events have persistently abnormal lipid levels, with over two-thirds of patients not achieving target levels of LDL-C or TC. Management of dyslipidaemia is therefore suboptimal in this important high-risk group in UK standard practice.

Attainment of normal lipid levels among high cardiovascular risk patients: Pooled analysis of observational studies from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain and Canada

BackgroundAlthough low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the primary lipid target for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) have also emerged as risk factors. This study evaluated attainment of goal/normal lipid levels in current clinical practice among high-risk patients following lipid-modifying therapy (LMT). MethodsData for patients aged ≥35years and on LMT for ≥12months were identified from electronic medical records (United Kingdom and Sweden) and extracted from medical charts (Canada and Spain). High CVD risk was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. An index period was defined, from January 1995–July 2008, during which patients received an initial LMT prescription. Prevalence of lipid abnormalities was assessed 12months before and after the index date. Multivariate logistic regressions evaluated predictors of attaining goal/normal lipid levels. ResultsAmong 12,768 high-risk patients, 75% had elevated LDL-C, 37% low HDL-C, and 30% elevated TG before LMT. Despite therapy (97% statins only), 23% had elevated LDL-C, 36% low HDL-C, 16% elevated TG, and 17% had ≥2 abnormal lipid levels. Framingham risk score >20% (Odds Ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.37,0.31–0.43), diabetes (0.75,0.64–0.88), hypertension (1.26,1.09–1.46), current smoker (0.82,0.70–0.95) and increased body mass index (0.95,0.94–0.96) were associated with the likelihood of attaining ≥2 normal lipid levels (vs. LDL-C goal only). ConclusionCurrent approaches to lipid management improve LDL-C goal attainment; however, control of multiple lipid risk factors remains poor. Patients may benefit from more comprehensive approaches to lipid management, which treat multiple lipid abnormalities, as suggested in clinical guidelines.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and abnormal lipid levels among Korean adolescents

Early identification of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and abnormal lipid levels with subsequent life-style intervention is vital to halt disease progression and safeguard the future health of children and adolescents. Data from a representative sample of 1554 adolescents (821 boys and 733 girls) aged 10-19 from the 2007-2008 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analysed. The MS was defined using the paediatric criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Abnormal lipid levels were classified according to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Approximately 13.7% of adolescents have a body mass index (BMI) between the 85th and 94th percentiles, and 8.4% have a BMI of ≥95th percentile. The prevalence of the MS was 2.3% among all the participants, 2.7% among boys and 2.1% among girls. The prevalence of the MS was 2.8% among overweight adolescents and 23.7% among obese adolescents. A low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was the most common component for the MS. Nearly 20% of adolescents (21% of boys and 19% of girls) had at least one lipid abnormality. Approximately 32% of overweight adolescents and 50% of obese adolescents were candidates for therapeutic life-style counselling based on lipid levels. The present study provides the most updated prevalence estimates of the MS in the Korean adolescent population and highlights the strong association of the MS with BMI. The prevalence of abnormal lipid levels in overweight and obese adolescents is high, illustrating the large burden of cardiovascular disease in the future Korean population.

AB0578 Tocilizumab influence on the serum lipid profiles and rapid progression of intima media-thickness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a high risk of cardiovascular events (CVE) associated with atherosclerosis (AS). A key role in the development of AS belongs to rheumatoid inflammation. Influence...

Total Lipid Management and Cardiovascular Disease in the Dyslipidemia International Study

Objectives: Despite statin use, many patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are not achieving treatment goals. An international observational study was performed to estimate the prevalence of residual lipid abnormalities in statin-treated patients with CVD to assess whether lipid management requires improvement. Methods: Fasting plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides were recorded in 11,104 patients with atherosclerotic CVD and ≥3 months of statin therapy. Results: LDL-C and total cholesterol were not at goal levels in 41 and 46% of all patients, respectively; for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) only, 59 and 65%, respectively, were not at goal, and in those with coronary heart disease only, 38 and 42%, respectively, were not at goal. Patients with cerebrovascular disease only were least frequently observed to have low HDL-C (24%) and elevated triglycerides (36%). Overall, elevated LDL-C was the most frequent lipid anomaly observed, and preexisting heart failure was strongly and positively associated with dyslipidemia. Conclusions: Approximately two fifths of statin-treated patients with CVD are not reaching lipid goals or have abnormal lipid levels, while patients with PAD could particularly benefit from improved lipid management. In addition to targeting LDL-C, new evidence-based approaches are needed to target low HDL-C and elevated triglycerides.

Body size and abnormal lipids among adult patients at the Baptist Medical centre, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

In many developing countries overweight, obesity and obesity-related morbidity are becoming a problem of increasing importance. Obese individuals are more likely to have elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. To determine the prevalence of obesity using the measure of body mass index (BMI) and abnormal lipid level and the association between obesity and abnormal lipid level among adults in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study of 400 adults aged 18 years and above was carried out at the Baptist Medical Centre, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Participants were administered a standardized questionnaire and had measurements of weight, height and blood lipids taken. Four hundred subjects were randomly selected (221 females and 179 males) with a mean age of 48.65 ± 16.56 years. The overall prevalence of obesity was 14.75% (8.9% for males and 19.5% for females p<0.05). The female subjects were significantly more sedentary than the males (50.8% for males, 62.4% for females, p<0.05). Most of the subjects who were obese (88.1%) preferred high calorie food. The overall prevalence of abnormal lipid levels was 28.5% (26.8% for males and 29.9% for females). The prevalence of abnormal lipid levels among the subjects who were obese was 40.7%. Obesity in this environment is particularly significant among females and is associated with abnormal lipid level.