Changes of prevalence of dyslipidemia among adults: a cross-sectional study with a 2-year follow-up in urban southeast China

Aim: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in urban adults in southeast China. Patients & methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using a two-stage probability sampling design according to socioeconomic levels, sex and age in an urban representative sample of 11,877 Chinese adults aged 20-81 years in Shaoxing (Zhejiang, China) between 1998 and 2010. During 2011 and 2012, 11,620 subjects were thoroughly followed up with 93.5% in participation rate versus 99.0% in 2011 and 98.8% in 2012. Results: The observed prevalence of dyslipidemia, according to the recent National Cholesterol Education Programme guidelines, at baseline examination was 27.53% compared with 29.27% in 2011 and 31.35% in 2012 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The age-adjusted prevalence of dyslipidemia increased with age, with a significance in males. The relative risk of developing dyslipidemia was significantly higher in those who were overweight/obese, had high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. This suggests that aggressive goals and screening programs for population-based dyslipidemia among middle-age people in southeast China are needed.