Impact of seasonality on the prevalence of dyslipidemia: a large population study

Chronobiol Int. 2013 Oct;30(8):1011-5. doi: 10.3109/07420528.2013.793698. Epub 2013 Jul 9.

Abstract

Assessment of lipid profile parameters has been considered a cornerstone in classifying individuals and populations at risk for cardiovascular disease. Recently, however, preliminary data have raised the possibility of seasonal variations in these parameters, which may cause under- or overestimation. Biological rhythms and seasonal variation of lipid profile was investigated in 227 359 consecutive individuals who underwent health checkups in primary care centers between 2008 and 2010. Plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >130 mg/dL was 8% more prevalent during winter than summer, with a larger difference among women and middle-aged adults (p < 0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dL and triglycerides (TG) >150 mg/dL were respectively 9% and 5% more prevalent during the summer (p < 0.001). Variation amplitude was 3.4 ± 0.3 mg/dL for HDL-C (p = 0.005), 7 ± 2 mg/dL for LDL-C (p = 0.047), and 12 ± 9 mg/dL for TG (p = 0.058). Based on a large population sample, this study confirms the existence of biological rhythms and seasonal variation in lipid profile. This finding must be particularly accounted for in cross-sectional analyses of relative risk, prevalence, or the rate of goal achievement for lipid parameters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dyslipidemias / blood
  • Dyslipidemias / diagnosis
  • Dyslipidemias / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Periodicity*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Triglycerides