Racial/Ethnic Differences in Dyslipidemia Patterns
Background—No studies have comprehensively examined the prevalence of dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, among diverse racial/ethnic minority groups. The primary aim of this study was to identify racial/ethnic differences in dyslipidemia among minorities including Asian Americans (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese), Mexican Americans, and African Americans compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs).
Methods and Results—Using a three-year cross-section (2008-2011), we identified 169,430 active primary care patients (35 years or older) from an outpatient health care organization in Northern California. Age-standardized prevalence rates were calculated for three dyslipidemia subtypes: high TG (fasting lab ≥150 mg/dL), low HDL-C (fasting lab <40 [men] and <50 [women] mg/dL), and high LDL-C (fasting lab ≥130mg/dL or taking LDL-lowering agents). Odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for patient characteristics (age, measured BMI, smoking). Compared to NHWs, every minority subgroup had increased prevalence of high TGs, except African Americans. Most minority groups had increased prevalence of low HDL-C, except for Japanese and African Americans. The prevalence of high LDL-C was increased among Asian Indians, Filipinos, Japanese, and Vietnamese, compared to NHWs.
Conclusions—Minority groups, except for African Americans, were more likely to have high TG/low HDL-C dyslipidemia. Further research is needed to determine how racial/ethnic differences in dyslipidemia affect racial/ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease rates.
- Received August 19, 2013.
- Revision received October 4, 2013.
- Accepted October 21, 2013.