Prevalence of very high cholesterol levels in asymptomatic military recruits: A single center study.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of very high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (≥4.9 mmol/L) among asymptomatic military recruits in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an underdiagnosed genetic disorder associated with significantly elevated LDL-C levels, increasing the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE, between August 2023 and July 2024. 30,000 UAE national military recruits aged 17 to 40 underwent routine lipid screening. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were reviewed, and individuals with LDL-C ≥4.9 mmol/L were identified.

Results: Among the participants, 596 (2%) had LDL-C levels ≥4.9 mmol/L, with a mean age of 25. The vast majority were male (96.8%), with only 3.2% being females. The highest recorded LDL-C level was 9.6 mmol/L. The mean height was 171.1 cm, the mean weight was 77.6 kg, and the mean body mass index was 26.6 kg/m².

Conclusion: This study highlights a notably high prevalence of very high LDL-C levels among young, asymptomatic UAE military recruits, suggesting a potentially undiagnosed burden of FH. Given the early risk of ASCVD, genetic screening and early intervention strategies should be explored for high risk individuals to facilitate early diagnosis and management.