Status of serum lipid profile in young population in rural area

Background: In all over the world, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are widespread and growing problem nowadays. High concentration of lipid profile is the strongest risk factor for this. Researches indicated that atherosclerotic process of CVD begins early in life and progressive throughout life. If early diagnosis (<40 years) can be made, disease may be present in adult age. Not many researches are conducted in rural area related to this. The present study is an attempt to contribute in research to minimize the risk of CVD by evaluating lipid profile in early ages in rural area. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the status of serum lipid profile in young age group according to age and gender in rural area. Methods and Materials: It is an observational prospective study carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, a rural hospital in Aligarh. We selected 10,096 patients in previous 2 years. The study population comprised of 1829 subjects of <40 years of age that included 1036 males and 793 females. Patients divided with regard to the age group (15–30 years and 31–40 years) and gender. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics using one-way ANOVA. Results: On applying the National Cholesterol Education Program and Adult Treatment Panel guidelines, we found out that nearly 85% of the subjects had at least one abnormal parameter. Prevalence of dyslipidemia is more in the age group of 31–40 years. High (>250 mg/dl) total cholesterol level is found in 7.9% population, and two- thirds of the population (64.7%) had low high-density lipoprotein. Conclusion: Values are quite significant in relation to age group. Early detection of deranged lipid profile should be done. We should perform periodic checkups from the age of 20 years to prevent cardiovascular risk.