Coexistence of lipid disorders and arterial hypertension in the population of 50 year old subjects

Abstract

Background Lipid disorders and arterial hypertension are main risk factors of coronary heart disease. Their coexistence accelerates progression of atherosclerosis considerably. The aim of the study was to evaluate coexistence of lipid disorders and hypertension in 50 year old participants of screening program.
Material and methods The study was carried out as a part of the Myocardial Infarction and Stroke Prevention Program SOPKARD and GDYNIAKARD. 4156 persons were examined in the study, 1649 men and 2507 women. In all subjects total blood cholesterol level was assessed, and in 1004 of them a full lipid profile was performed. Moreover, all the participants had 3 blood pressure measurements during the visit.
Results Only 6,2% of the examined population had lipid profile and blood pressure within normal values. Hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dl) was the most prevalent disorder and was found in 81% of subjects. Elevated LDL cholesterol level was revealed in 72% and hypertriglyceridemia in 31% of cases. Low level of HDL cholesterol was found in 13% of the examined. Hypertension was present in 39% of cases and was observed significantly more frequently in men than in women. Higher mean levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides and lower mean levels of HDL cholesterol were observed in the population of hypertensives in comparison to subjects without hypertension.
Conclusion Lipid disorders and arterial hypertension are very common in the population of 50-year-old people. Only 6 of 100 examined people have lipid and blood pressure values within a normal range. Lipid disorders are more prevalent in the group of people with hypertension than in the group with normal values of blood pressure.