Risk factors for dyslipidemia among hypertensive patients attending the laboratory of the european Gaza hospital: case control study

Abstract:

Dyslipidemia is a worldwide  health problem that is rising steadily. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors that may lead to dyslipidemia in hypertensive patients, which in turn may contribute to the preparation of preventive programs to decrease mortality and morbidity from hypertension and dyslipidemia. The design of the study was case-control, which is practical and economical design for studying risk factors. The study sample consisted of 237 participants, divided into three groups (case group included 79 hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia, control group included 79 hypertensive patients without dyslipidemia and 79 normal persons). Participants were selected from European Gaza Hospital (EGH) during the period from January 1^st 2009 to December 31^st 2010. The study instrument consisted of Socio-demographic characteristics, history of smoking, physical activity, compliance to diet and lipid profile. The lipid profiles were analyzed by spectrophotometer at EGH medical laboratory. The study results showed that risk factors for dyslipidemia included; obesity (Chi square = 18.775; P = 0.001), low level of education (Chi square = 19.50; P = 0.012), non compliance to diet (Chi square = 6.723; P = 0.035) and not working or being retired (Chi square = 13.484; P 0.001). In conclusion, the results highlighted serious issues that need special programs at primary and secondary levels to reduce and modify the risk factors of dyslipidemia. Clients with the identified risk factors need more attention and follow up to reduce the chance of developing dyslipidemia.