Abstract

Lipid abnormalities are major risk factors for premature coronary artery diseases. We investigated serum lipids and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in urban adult population in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. We studied 1496 individuals 20–90 years of age. Health status was determined by questionnaires and physical check-ups. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and total triglycerides (TGs) were measured. TC >5.7 mmol/L, LDL-C >3.6 mmol/L, TGs >1.7 mmol/L, and HDL-C <0.9 mmol/L were defined as abnormal. Mean serum TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations were increased. 52.7% of males and 42.9% of females having at least one abnormal lipid concentration. HDL-C was abnormally low in 7% of males and in 1.6% of females. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and abnormally low HDL-C, especially the presence of slight hypertriglyceridemia, were higher in all age groups. The increase was most prominent in the middle age group (40– 59 years). Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and abnormally low HDL-C have increased considerably over the past 10 years in urban adult populations in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh. Dietary changes and less physical activity resulting from rapid improvements in living conditions may be the causes for the increases. Enhanced preventive measures should be undertaken to modify these situations.

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