Assessment of lipid profile and its correlation with ASCVD risk in the general population

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major global health issue with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, emphasizing the need for effective risk assessment for prevention and management. This study aimed to assess the lipid profile of the general population and establish correlations with their ASCVD risk.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in India. Participants were invited through advertisements to attend the ASCVD camp for a lipid profile check-up.
Results: A total of 1068 participants were included, with a mean age of 52.7 years. The majority of participants were male (69.8%). Approximately 33% of participants had low ASCVD risk, followed by 31.6% with high risk, and 26.7% with intermediate risk. In the high ASCVD risk group, participants aged ≥60 years were significantly higher compared to those in the low risk, borderline risk and intermediate risk groups (P<0.001). The mean total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly increased in participants with high ASCVD risk compared to intermediate, borderline and low risk (P<0.001 and P=0.001). The mean HDL cholesterol level was significantly lower in male participants compared to female participants (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between age (r=0.783), total cholesterol (r=0.372) and the ASCVD risk score (P<0.001 for both). There was negative correlation between HDL and ASCVD risk score (r=-124; P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between lipid profiles and ASCVD risk. Age, total cholesterol, and LDL levels are positively correlated with ASCVD risk, while HDL levels show a negative correlation.