Abstract

Abstract:

Background and Aims

Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (particularly Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)), the leading cause of death worldwide. Understanding the prevalence of HC and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of IHD due to high Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is vital for effective public health planning and interventions. This study aimed to assess the scale of HC in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) and to identify differences among distinct population groups.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 6720 participants aged 18 to 69 was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 across all 17 regions of Kazakhstan. Cholesterol levels were determined through blood biochemical analysis. Age, sex, geographic location, and ethnicity served as covariates.

Results

In a study, 65.49% of participants were urban dwellers with a balanced gender ratio (50.07% male, 49.93% female). Predominant ages were 18-29 (25.71%) and 30-39 (25.12%), with 65.09% being Kazakh. Hypercholesterolemia (HC) prevalence increased with age, peaking at 71.14% in the 60-69 group. Women had marginally higher rates than men. Notable geographical disparities were observed, particularly in Astana and Almaty. Kazakhs exhibited lower HC rates compared to other ethnicities. Population attributable fraction (PAF) analysis showed age-related variations, increasing from age 25 (PAF 21.46) to 54 (PAF 40.87), then declining post-55. Gender differences in high LDL cholesterol's impact on ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk were significant, with higher PAF in males aged 25-49 and in females aged 50-59.

Conclusions

The study emphasizes high LDL cholesterol's significant role in IHD, varying across ages and genders. It underlines the importance of targeted LDL cholesterol interventions for IHD reduction. The research, highlighting HC prevalence in Kazakhstan, points to age, gender, regional, and ethnic disparities, stressing the need for specific public health measures for effective cardiovascular disease management and prevention.