Prevalence Patterns of Dyslipidemia and Impaired Renal Function in Rural Bangladesh – A Cross-Sectional Profile

Open Access

Abstract

Background: CKD and dyslipidemia are emerging public health burdens in Bangladesh, especially in rural areas where structured screening is scarce. This study aimed to assess the interrelationship between renal dysfunction and lipid abnormalities comprehensively to delineate preventive strategies. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural community in the Narayanganj District of Bangladesh from July, 2023 to June, 2024, including 201 adults with a mean age of 41.4±13.8 years. Comprehensive clinical assessment for anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analyses was performed. Traditional lipid markers (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C) and non-traditional markers such as apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) were assayed along with renal function parameters like serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. Association was assessed using Pearson correlation analyses and unpaired t-tests. Results: The prevalence of traditional dyslipidemia was 31.8%, while non-traditional dyslipidemia affected 33.8% of participants. Albuminuria (ACR ≥30 mg/g) was present in 23.4% of the cohort. Significant positive correlations were observed between triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C with serum total protein, albumin, and uric acid (p<0.05). Conversely, these lipid markers showed inverse correlations with eGFR (r=-0.242 to -0.342, p<0.001). Participants with combined renal impairment exhibited significantly higher mean values of triglycerides (212.74±96.65 vs 170.90±106.07 mg/dL, p=0.010), total cholesterol (217.94±42.66 vs 187.58±46.59 mg/dL, p<0.001), and LDL-C (137.43±38.25 vs 114.39±37.51 mg/dL, p<0.001) compared to those with normal renal status. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of dyslipidemia and early renal dysfunction among rural Bangladeshi people and significant associations between traditional lipid abnormalities and declining renal function. The findings highlight the need for integrated screening programs targeting metabolic and renal health in resource-limited settings in order to facilitate early intervention and reduce disease progression.