The High Prevalence of Low HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Dyslipidemia in Rural Populations in Northwestern China

Abstract

BackgroundDyslipidemia is a major health problem in China and an important modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of dyslipidemia and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and associated risk factors among adults in rural northwest China.MethodsIn a cross-sectional analyses involving 2,980 adults aged >18 years, information on the demographics, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and medical history was collected via face-to-face interviews. Blood samples were collected to determine total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), and HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) levels.ResultsThe prevalence of high TC, high LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, and high TG were 1.0%, 0.6%, 60.9%, and 13.7%, respectively. TC, LDL-cholesterol, and TG increased with age in females. Elevated TC was more common in females than in males. The prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was 67.6% in males and 55.4% in females. Current smokers, those with less education, those who were overweight or obese, and those with large waist circumference were more likely to have low HDL-cholesterol (p<0.05). Multivariable regression showed that male gender showed an association with low HDL-cholesterol (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.68–2.61), age ≥60 years (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.99), BMI (BMI = 24–27.9, OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.04–1.54, p = 0.02 and BMI≥28, OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.10–2.20, p = 0.01) and enlarged waist circumference (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.51–2.92). Non-alcohol drinker was associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels (OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.53–0.99, p = 0.04).ConclusionsThis study found that the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was 67.6% and 55.4% for males and females. Male gender, non-alcohol drinker, BMI and central obesity were important risk factors for low HDL-cholesterol in Chinese adults.

Association of change in waist circumference and dyslipidaemia risk: The rural Chinese cohort study

“…One study showed that anthropometric measurements can be used as practical tools for assessing metabolic risk in overweight‐obese people . And a compelling body of studies demonstrated that obesity is an important risk factor for dyslipidaemia . Body mass index and waist circumference (WC) are considered practical and effective indexes to evaluate obesity .…”

“…5 And a compelling body of studies demonstrated that obesity is an important risk factor for dyslipidaemia. [6][7][8] Body mass index and waist circumference (WC) are considered practical and effective indexes to evaluate obesity. 9 Body mass index is closely related to body fat 10,11 but cannot accurately reflect the distribution of fat mass in the body.…”

Cardiovascular risk factors and electrocardiographic pattern in two rural communities of Osun State in South West Nigeria

“…This study also showed that high total cholesterol level and low HDL were predictors of obesity (Table 4). A chinese study supports that low HDL was associated with obesity and overweight (BMI) and the association was stronger with central obesity using waist circumference (p<0.001) (35). Respondents with high total cholesterol levels were 1.5 times more likely to be obese compared to those with normal or low total cholesterol level (OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.441-5.386, p-0.264).…”

Characterization of Dyslipidemia and Assessment of Atherogenic Risk amongst Cameroonian Living in Yaounde: A Cross Sectional Study

“…Obesity results from complex interaction of genetic, lifestyle, dietary habits, energy expenditure, nutritional and metabolic factors as the adipocyte metabolism [15] [16]. Fat accumulation and location constitute risk factors for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases [2] and dyslipidemia [17]. Dyslipidemia is a condition of an abnormal lipid or lipoprotein concentration in the blood.…”