Distribution of Lipids and Prevalence of Dyslipidemia among Indian Expatriates in Qatar

Abstract

Background. Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). If detected and managed in the early stages of life, can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with CVD in a vulnerable population. Out of the 94 expatriate nationalities in Qatar, Indians constitute the most prominent single nationality, accounting for 21.8% of the total population (2,773,885 in 2019). This study aims to determine the status of the lipid profile among Indians in Qatar. Study Design. We conducted an observational retrospective study on lipid profile test data of Indian expatriates visiting a private healthcare facility in Qatar from Oct 17 to Oct 2018 to evaluate the gender and age-specific distribution of lipids and the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Results. Among the total 4483 Indian expatriates (3891 men and 592 women), the mean (SD) mg/dL levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were higher in men TC 196.9 (40.6), TG 168.9 (114.6), and LDL-C 122.9 (37.2) mg/dL compared to women TC 185 (38.1), TG 117.7 (78.2), and LDL-C 114.1 (31.1) mg/dL, $p$ value < 0.0001. Utilizing predefined National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) limits to categorize dyslipidemias; the greater prevalence of elevated TC, TG, and LDL-C was noted in men 44.7%, 45.8%, and 40.9% than women 31.6%, 22%, and 28.7%, respectively. However, women had higher levels of mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as 47.1 (9.8) mg/dL vs. 40.6 (8.3) mg/dL in men, $p$ value < 0.05, the prevalence of dyslipidemia, low HDL-C was also more 65.7% vs. 48.9% in women than men. With age, men showed a declining trend while women showed a rising trend for mean lipid levels as well as for the prevalence of dyslipidemia, high TC, TG, and LDL-C ( $p$ value < 0.0001). The mean HDL-C cholesterol increased, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia, low HDL-C decreased with age in both the genders. Conclusion. Our results demonstrate the higher mean lipid levels and prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia among Indian expatriate men than women counterparts at the younger age group. The screening programs and awareness campaigns must be initiated to prevent the early onset of dyslipidemia induced atherosclerosis leading to CVD. Future controlled studies are needed to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemias among Indian migrants in Qatar.