The assessment and modification of dyslipidemias: effects on etiopathogenesis, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the relationship with other atherosclerotic risk factors

Dyslipidemia is recognized as one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Abnormal lipid levels are very common (89.7%) and often inadequately treated among middle-aged Lithuanians. This study revealed that the prevalence of dyslipidemia increased during the period of 2009–2016 in Lithuania (from 89.1% to 89.5%). Also, dyslipidemia is associated with a greater probability of possessing all major CVD risk factors (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome and obesity), except smoking, compared to adults without dyslipidemia. Atherogenic dyslipidemia is associated with an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile. Subjects with atherogenic dyslipidemia more frequently possess other cardiovascular risk factors compared to people with isolated hypertriglyceridemia or low HDL-C. Severe hypertriglyceridemia was associated with having other major CVD risk factors more often (except for family history of CHD) compared to severe hypercholesterolemia. For the additional evaluation and long-term monitoring of patients with severe dyslipidemia, useful investigations include a body composition analysis, an Achilles tendon ultrasonography, a carotid artery ultrasound as well as genetic testing (if available). An insufficient function of HDL was observed in 67.7% of study subjects. An inverse relationship was determined between the HDL function and the plasma concentration of HDL-C (r=-0.228). Further extensive studies are needed to analyze the function of HDL in Lithuania and support the findings of this study