ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide. Many factors can contribute to HC, including advanced age, chronic diseases (such as diabetes and nephrotic syndrome), and the use of certain medications. Aim: Our goal was to compare the sociodemographic, behavioral, and other comorbid conditions of adult participants living with HC in Saudi Arabia to the general population. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis from the Sharik Health Indicators Surveillance System (SHISS). SHISS consists of cross-sectional phone interviews conducted in all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia on a quarterly basis. Participant recruitment was limited to Arabic-speaking Saudi residents who were ≥18 years old. Results: Out of 20,492 potential participants contacted in 2021, 14,007 completed the interview. Of the total participants, 50.1% were male. The mean age of participants was 36.7 years, with 1673 (11.94%) having HC. A regression model showed that participants with HC had a higher likelihood of being older, living in Tabouk, Riyadh, or Asir regions, being overweight or obese, having diabetes, hypertension, genetic or heart diseases, or having a higher risk of depression. Gender, all types of smoking, physical activity, and education level were eliminated from the model. Discussion: In this study, participants with HC were identified with some co-existing conditions that may affect the progression of the disease and the participants' quality of life. This information could assist care providers in identifying patients who are at higher risk, improve screening efficiency, and improve disease progression and quality of life.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the dietary intake of flavonoids and their effect on serum lipid levels in Saudi patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study with a sample of 50 CHD patients and 50 controls. A 24-hour recall method was used to collect data on the dietary intake of macronutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidant vitamins. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect data on habitual consumption during the year preceding the interview. Baseline data collection included medical history, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, and smoking status. RESULTS: CHD patients showed significantly less intake of fruits and vegetables compared to the controls. Serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were found to be significantly higher in CHD patients than in the controls. The main sources of flavonoids in a typical Saudi diet are tea, fruits (apples), vegetables (onions), and chocolate. The intake of flavonoids and antioxidant vitamins was significantly lower in CHD patients compared to the controls. A negative correlation between the dietary intake of different flavonoids and serum LDL was observed in CHD patients. Significant correlation was found between the intake of flavonol and waist to hip ratio CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study support a potential protective effect of dietary flavonoids in relation to CHD. The study showed that consuming more Flavonoids may have positive effect on lowering blood lipids.
