Burden and risk factors of dyslipidemia-results from a STEPS survey in Punjab India.

AIMS: Raised blood cholesterol is an important risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Globally, one third of ischaemic heart disease is attributable to high cholesterol. This article reports prevalence of dyslipidemia in the North Indian state of Punjab as part of a large household Non Communicable Disease (NCD) Risk Factor Survey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A household NCD STEPS survey was done in the state of Punjab, India in a multistage stratified sample of 5127 individuals. All the subjects were administered the WHO STEPS questionnaire, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Every alternate respondent in the sample (n=2499) were assayed for lipid parameters.

RESULTS: Over one fourth (27%) of the general adult population covered in this survey have either raised cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Hypercholesterolemia was found in 9.8% and hypertriglyceridemia in 21.6% of the population with no urban rural difference in both the sexes. Presence of more than 2 morbidities, diabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with all types of dyslipidemia.

CONCLUSIONS: The study reported high prevalence of dyslipidemia, calling for an urgent attention.