Exploring dyslipidemia and cardiovascular morbidity in chronic kidney disease patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bhattacharjee Manna , Mehta Kritesh , Nagarwal Amitesh , Gaurab Vishal , Mahajan Kishalay 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent health concern with significant implications for patient health. This study investigates the relationship between dyslipidemia and cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients. CKD is characterized by kidney damage, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and is associated with various complications, including cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid levels, is common in CKD patients and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications.

Materials and Methods:
This 1-year cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in northern India. The study included 160 patients aged 16 and above who had been diagnosed with CKD. Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of lipid profiles in these patients and assessed cardiovascular morbidity through a review of clinical records.

Results:
In our study, we observed that 96 out of 160 patients diagnosed with CKD exhibited lower than recommended levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, in patients with CKD Stages IV and V, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were notably elevated. Triglyceride levels (TGs) were consistently elevated across the board in our study. Specifically, the mean TGLs were 159, 162.8, 211, and 246.8 in CKD Stages II, III, IV, and V, respectively, which was statistically significant. In addition, total cholesterol levels were found to be elevated in 110 out of 160 patients within our study group. Most of the patients with CKD were found to have systolic or diastolic dysfunction on two-dimensional echocardiography. Furthermore, associated coronary artery disease was higher in Grade III and Grade V CKD patients. The study yielded several notable findings regarding cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients. Cardiovascular morbidity was observed in a significant proportion of CKD patients, highlighting the strong link between CKD and heart-related complications. Abnormal lipid profiles, such as low levels of HDL and elevated levels of LDL-C, were prevalent in CKD patients with cardiovascular morbidity. An association between the severity of CKD, as determined by Stage, and the presence of cardiovascular morbidity was evident. Patients with advanced CKD Stages (IV and V) were more likely to exhibit cardiovascular complications. Dyslipidemia, particularly elevated TGLs, was implicated as a potential contributor to cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients.

Conclusion:
This study underscores the significance of cardiovascular morbidity in CKD patients and its association with dyslipidemia. Findings suggest that early diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia are essential for mitigating the long-term cardiovascular consequences in CKD patients. Health-care providers should be vigilant in monitoring lipid profiles in CKD patients and implementing appropriate interventions to reduce their risk of cardiovascular complications. By integrating the study’s findings on cardiovascular morbidity with dyslipidemia in CKD patients, health-care practitioners can better understand the multifaceted nature of this condition and tailor their treatment strategies accordingly.