The burden of dyslipidaemia in an urban Libyan population: Epidemiological assessment and a review of modern therapy

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet data from Libyan populations remain limited. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and demographic determinants of dyslipidemia among residents of Zawia City, Libya, and to provide a concise review of lipid-lowering therapies, including emerging ones. It is a cross-sectional study of 508 individuals of all ages and both sexes registered at many clinical laboratory centers across Zawia City for lipid profile testing from January 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and ATPIII criteria. Statistical analysis was performed on all lipid parameters and expressed as mean ± SD, frequency, and percentage. The prevalence of all dyslipidemia patterns was assessed across age and gender groups. The findings showed that 81.6% of participants had at least one form of dyslipidemia. High LDL-C was the most common lipid abnormality (61.6%), followed by hypertriglyceridemia (36.2%), low HDL-C (36.0%), and hypercholesterolemia (27.8%). Clear gender differences were observed: Females had significantly higher rates of hypercholesterolemia (30.6%/24.3% for female/male, p < 0.05) and high LDL-C (65.1/57.4% for female/male, p < 0.01). By contrast, males exhibited significantly higher rates of low HDL-C (54.8/20.5% for male/female, p < 0.001). The high-risk ratio was twofold higher in males than in females (43.0/19.8% for male/female, p < 0.001). Age-specific analysis showed that all lipid abnormalities peaked in the 41–50-year age group, where the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C (36.4%, 45.7%,74.3%, and 44.3%, respectively) was greatest. These results demonstrate that dyslipidemia is highly prevalent among the population in Zawia City, with LDL-C abnormalities predominating and midlife individuals bearing the greatest burden. The presence of gender-specific patterns underscores the need for targeted prevention and control strategies. Routine screening and tailored interventions are urgently required to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in the Libyan population.