Dyslipidemia Fact Sheet in South Korea, 2024.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dyslipidemia, evaluate management patterns, and explore related health behaviors among South Korean adults through an analysis of the 2024 Dyslipidemia Fact Sheet.

Methods: This study utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2022) and the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (2002-2019) to assess lipid profiles, trends in prevalence, management indicators, and health behaviors in South Koreans aged 20 and over. The 2005 Korean demographic distribution was applied as the reference for age standardization.

Results: The crude prevalence of dyslipidemia during 2016-2022 was 40.9% under standard criteria, increasing to 47.4% when modified high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol criteria for women were applied. From 2007 to 2022, the age-adjusted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia rose markedly from 8.8% to 22.4%, while the crude prevalence reached 27.4%. Indicators of hypercholesterolemia management showed improvement, with awareness, treatment, and control rates of 68.0%, 61.2%, and 54.1%, respectively. Comorbidity analysis demonstrated a markedly higher prevalence of dyslipidemia in adults with diabetes (87.0%), hypertension (72.4%), and obesity (55.2%). Health behavior evaluation revealed suboptimal adherence to dietary and physical activity recommendations.

Conclusion: Despite advances in detection and treatment, dyslipidemia remains highly prevalent in South Korea, particularly among individuals with metabolic comorbidities. Given the insufficient adherence to dietary and physical activity guidelines, strengthened strategies for prevention and management are warranted, with an emphasis on lifestyle modification and aggressive treatment approaches in high-risk groups.