Anthropometric Indices and Lipid Profile of Out-Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases Attending in State Hospital in Ogun State

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an increasing burden in Sub-Saharan Africa due to lifestyle and dietary transitions. This study assessed the anthropometric indices and lipid profiles of out-patients with CVDs attending State Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria. This study demonstrates the predictive relationship between BMI/WC and lipid abnormalities among Nigerian CVD outpatients, offering practical screening strategies for early risk detection. It also revealed gender-specific differences in lipid abnormalities and central obesity patterns were identified, highlighting the need for tailored interventions for female CVD outpatients. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and 300 participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling approach. Data collection included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements (Body Mass Index (BMI], Waist Circumference (WC], and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR]), and lipid profile analysis (Total Cholesterol (TC], Triglycerides (TG], Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C], and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C]). Findings revealed that 54.7% of participants were overweight, while 28.1% were obese. WC and WHR indicated a higher prevalence of central obesity among females than males. Lipid profile assessment showed that 88% of respondents had borderline or high TC levels, 97.3% had abnormal LDL-C levels, and 58% had high TG levels. A significant association was observed between BMI and lipid abnormalities, particularly LDL-C (p = 0.007) and TG (p = 0.001). The high prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia underscores the need for targeted interventions focusing on dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and patient education. Effective self-management strategies and public health initiatives should be prioritized to mitigate CVD risks in Nigeria.