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Background and aims We sought to measure the effect of lockdown, implemented to contain COVID-19 infection, on routine living and health of patients with chronic diseases and challenges faced by them. Methods A semi-structured online questionnaire was generated using “Google forms” and sent to the patients with chronic diseases using WhatsApp. Data were retrieved and analyzed using SPSS. Results Out of 181 participants, 98% reported effect of lockdown on their routine living while 45% reported an effect on their health. The key challenges due to lockdown were to do daily exercise, missed routine checkup/lab testing and daily health care. Conclusion It is important to strategize the plan for patients with chronic diseases during pandemic or lockdown.

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Objectives Dyslipidemia is a major risk issue for the development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of our study was to observe the pattern and prevalence of dyslipidemia in Pakistani population. Methodology This is a sub analysis of a population based second National Diabetes Survey of Pakistan (NDSP) 2016-2017 in adults aged 20 years or above, carried out from February 2016 to August 2017 across Pakistan. Multi stage sampling technique was used for the stratification of population, based on rural and urban domains. District wise clusters and sub clusters were selected i.e. 27 and 46 in number. Subjects, consented to participate were requested to come after an overnight fast for anthropometric measurements, oral glucose tolerance test and fasting lipid profile (except for subjects with self-reported diabetes). Dyslipidemia was identified using Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Results A total of 10,834 subjects (43.8% male and 56.2% female) having mean age of 43.8 ± 14.0 years, participated in the survey. Of the subjects studied, 39.3% had hypercholesterolemia, 48.9% had hypertriglyceridemia, 39.7% had high LDL-C levels while 83.9% men and 90% women had low HDL levels. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels were highest in 50-59 years age group, while high LDL and low HDL was most common in 40-49 years age group. Diabetes, obesity and hypertension were found to be the significant determinants for dyslipidemia. Conclusion Prevalence of dyslipidemia seems to be very high in Pakistan, necessitating an urgent call for early screening and effective management through lifestyle intervention and appropriate lipid lowering drugs to prevent this important cardiovascular risk factor.

This study provides national-level data about tobacco use and its burden and also indicates weak implantation of tobacco control laws. There is need to devise a strategy for proper implementation of these laws to reduce the tobacco burden in the country.