Associations of lifestyle and dietary habits with hyperlipidemia in Lebanon

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary and lifestyle habits on several blood lipid parameters in the Lebanese population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study for 2,000 individuals, of whom 1,003 completed the survey about their dietary and lifestyle habits. Anthropometric measurements and blood tests were performed and recorded. Results: Up to 53.2% of the population was hypercholesterolemic. Gender and age contributed to the prevalence of high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or triglycerides. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and high LDL-C levels was higher in smokers, physically inactive or those who consume fatty meat or eggs. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was not affected by consumption of whole milk, skimmed milk or fruits and vegetables. However, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and high LDL-levels was higher in individuals who consumed whole milk, and lower in those who consumed skimmed or fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia affects more than half of the Lebanese population. The finding that the majority of the individuals were unaware of their lipid profile mandates warrant efforts for both patient and public education. Key words:Lipidemia, cardiovascular disease, diet, Lebanon ABSTRACTArticle history:

Time‐to‐onset of treatment for hypertension and hyperlipidaemia in South African diabetes mellitus patients: A survival analysis using medicine claims data

“…Consistent with the findings of previous studies, male patients were found to have a higher incidence of hyperlipidaemia than females. It has been proposed that while female sex hormones, especially oestrogen, protects against rising lipid levels, testosterone may predispose men to elevated levels and thus, account for the high lipid profile of men compared to women . A study conducted among diabetics in India reported a high dominance of hyperlipidaemia with female subjects having higher mean lipid concentrations that their male counterparts .…”

“…It has been proposed that while female sex hormones, especially oestrogen, protects against rising lipid levels, testosterone may predispose men to elevated levels and thus, account for the high lipid profile of men compared to women. 36 A study conducted among diabetics in India reported a high dominance of hyperlipidaemia with female subjects having higher mean lipid concentrations that their male counterparts. 10 In the absence of data on race as well as clinical data from which blood concentrations can be evaluated, the results our study cannot be evaluated relative to those of the former study.…”

Effects of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors on stroke development in Lebanese patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study

“…The score calculation is performed on all enrolled patients through an assessment of the following criteria: patients aged ≥65 years, female gender, heart failure, prior stroke or transient ischemic stroke (TIA), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, coronary heart disease or peripheral artery disease. 18 All medical diseases were assessed by checking the detailed previous medical conditions along with the prescribed medications documented on medical profiles. These factors were incorporated into a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc model where each element received 1 point except those aged ≥75 years and those who had a history of stroke or TIA who received 2 points.…”

Introduction of the special issue “Atherosclerosis and Related Diseases”

“…Samaha et al [7] from Lebanon and Qatar have carried out cross-sectional survey to evaluate the effects of dietary and lifestyle habits on several blood lipid parameters in the Lebanese population. They revealed that hyperlipidemia affects more than half of the Lebanese population.…”