Prevalence of dyslipidaemia among healthcare workers in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Healthcare workers are predisposed to cardiovascular diseases just as the patients they manage. Dyslipidaemia has been identified as an important cardiovascular risk factor among the healthcare workers. Elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride along with reduced HDL-cholesterol have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Deposition of proatherogenic lipids along the wall of the blood vessels forms the basis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. This study determined the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among the healthcare workers in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, South-South, Nigeria. Three hundred and twenty-five hospital workers ranging from doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers were recruited for this study. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. One hundred and sixty (49%) were males while 165(51%) were females with 2 average age of 40.9 ± 8.8 years and average body mass index of 26.7 ± 5.9kg/m. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were determined using standard techniques while the serum lipids (triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) were analyzed using the standard enzymatic methods. Abnormal lipid levels were found in the study population. Total cholesterol (5.06 ± 1.33 mmol/L), LDL-cholesterol (3.66 ± 1.38mmol/L) and non HDL-cholesterol (4.08 ± 1.37 mmol/L) were elevated. Serum HDL-cholesterol (0.98 ± 0.14 mmol/L) was found to be low. Prevalence of dyslipidaemia was reported as follow: elevated total cholesterol (43.4%), elevated LDL-cholesterol (56.0%), and reduced HDL-cholesterol (82.2%). Significant risk factors identified include: physical inactivity (32%) and alcohol ingestion (53.5%). Prevalence of dyslipidaemia is high among the healthcare workers in UBTH; most especially reduced HDL-cholesterol and elevated LDL-cholesterol. Therapeutic lifestyle modification is therefore advocated among the healthcare workers to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases

High Prevalence of Primary Dyslipidaemia in Black South African Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Gauteng; South Africa

BACKGROUND:The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is projected to be 38.7% for the USA in 2020; including coronary heart disease at 8.6% and stroke at 3.6%. In South Africa (SA); premature deaths due to heart and blood vessel diseases in people of working age (35 - 64 years) have been predicted to increase by 41% between 2007 and 2030; with enormous negative economic impact. Atherosclerosis underlies much of the pathogenesis; which involves risk factors including dyslipidaemia. Secondary dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes mellitus; hypothyroidism; chronic renal disease; cholestasis; nephrotic syndrome; alcohol excess; drugs such as thiazide diuretics and antiretroviral agents may respond to treatment of underlying causes; but residual dyslipidaemia may in such cases be due to primary disorders of metabolism. Primary dyslipidaemias are uncommon and to a large extent underdiagnosed; especially in the black population of SA; reflecting a lack of clinical and laboratory awareness or expertise. Specific diagnoses enable effective intervention in the patients as well as the families.OBJECTIVE:To assess the burden and prevalence of dyslipidaemia in the SA black population at Dr George Mukhari Hospital in the north region of Gauteng.METHOD:A retrospective data analysis of 12-month lipid profiles comprising triglyceride (TG); total cholesterol (TC); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and directly measured low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDLC).RESULTS:There were 24 656 requests for 6 348 patients. The lipid cut-off levels were somewhat arbitrary but were based on the commonly used decision-making levels in the treatment guidelines. Severe hypercholesterolaemia (etgt;7 mmol/L) was seen in 299 (4.7%) patients and extreme hypercholesterolaemia (etgt;12 mmol/L) was seen in 30 (0.5%) patients. LDLC (etgt;5 mmol/L) occurred in 80 (1.3%) patients and etgt;10 mmol/L in 19 (0.3%) patients. A predominant triglyceride problem was seen in 578 (9.1%) patients with TG (etgt;2 mmol/L) and TC (etlt;5 mmol/L); whereas moderate hypertriglyceridaemia (etgt;5 mmol/L) was present in 113 (1.8%) patients; and more severe hypertriglyceridaemia (etgt;10 mmol/L) in 10 (0.2%). TC (etgt;5 mmol/L) with LDL (etgt;3 mmol/L) but TG in the normal range was seen in 369 (5.8%) patients; indicating a cholesterol-predominant problem. In contrast; LDLC (etgt;3 mmol/L) and TG (etgt;1.7 mmol/L) was seen in 249 (3.87%) representing mixed hyperlipidaemia. Paediatric patients with severe dyslipidaemia mostly suffered from nephrotic syndrome.CONCLUSION:A significant burden and a high prevalence of dyslipidaemias were present in adults in whom a monogenic disorder should be considered. The extent and severity of dyslipidaemia justify a special clinic and laboratory to ensure accurate diagnosis with effective intervention for patients and their families