Initial Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Dyslipidemia in General Practice Consultation in a Decentralized Area of Senegal

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors (RDFs) are on the rise in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Dyslipidemia, which is often found, can be linked to changes in eating habits. Material and Methods: We performed a prospective descriptive and analytical study to evaluate cardiovascular RDFs in patients who presented with dyslipidemia in general practice. Results: In the 58 patients included, the mean age was 54.15 years ± 13.85 years. The female sex was predominant with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.41. High blood pressure was found in 68.96% of cases, diabetes mellitus in 32.75% of cases. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.65 kg/m2 with extremes of 17.57 and 49.99 kg/m2. The mean waist circumference was 95.94 cm with extremes of 62 and 170 cm. According to NCEP ATP III, 28 women had a waist circumference ≥ 88 cm or 48.27% and 3 men had a waist circumference ≥ 102 cm or 5.17%. The lipid abnormalities were distributed as follows: LDL cholesterol > 1.6 g/l (93.10%), HDL-cholesterol < 0.4 g/l (24.13%), total cholesterol > 2 g/l (96.55%), triglycerides > 1.5 g/l (32.14%). The most common electrical abnormalities on ECG were subepicardial ischemia (8.62%), right bundle branch block (5.17%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (5.17%). The overall cardiovascular risk was elevated in 30.62% of patients. Metabolic syndrome was reported in 82.75% of cases. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia may be the bedrock of latent elevated cardiovascular risk, especially if it is associated with other factors. Prevention involves screening and good awareness by the general practitioner.