Assessment of lipid profile abnormalities and associated biochemical markers among cardiovascular disease patients in Hajjah Governorate, Yemen: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of morbidity in Yemen. This study evaluates integrated lipid, renal, and hepatic function profiles in CVD patients to provide clinical insights into multi-organ metabolic associations in a resource-limited setting.

METHODS

This hospital-based, case-control study at Al-Gomhouri Hospital, Hajjah, Yemen, enrolled 320 participants (160 CVD patients and 160 age- and sex-matched controls). Assessments included lipid profiles, renal markers (uric acid, creatinine), and hepatic markers (albumin, total protein). Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with CVD status.

RESULTS

CVD patients exhibited severe atherogenic dyslipidemia, with significantly higher Total Cholesterol (269.7 ± 43.83 mg/dL) and Triglycerides (246.0 ± 58.97 mg/dL) than controls (P < 0.001). Markers of organ stress were pronounced in the CVD group, notably higher Serum Uric Acid (7.59 ± 0.95 vs. 3.9 ± 0.63 mg/dL). Khat chewing was more prevalent among CVD patients (84.4%) versus controls (41.2%; P < 0.001), with longer duration and higher frequency in the disease group. After adjusting for confounders, multivariate logistic regression identified Stage 2 hypertension (OR: 4.15) and elevated creatinine (OR: 3.40) as prominent independent factors associated with CVD status (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Significant alterations in cardiorenal and hepatic biomarkers characterize CVD patients in Hajjah. Stage 2 hypertension, hyperuricemia, and elevated creatinine are critical metabolic factors, highlighting the necessity of integrated multi-organ biochemical screening over isolated lipid assessments for improved risk stratification in high-risk populations.