Introduction: Lowering exposure to dyslipidemias is one of the biggest challenges in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of dyslipidemias and treatment of hypercholesterolemia in Poland, and to assess changes since the period of 2003–2005.

Patients and methods: Two cross‑sectional surveys of the random samples of the Polish population were performed in the years 2003–2005 (WOBASZ) and 2013–2014 (WOBASZ II). Interviews were carried out according to a standard questionnaire. Blood lipid levels were determined in a single laboratory in frozen samples using the enzymatic colorimetric method.

Results: The analysis included 14151 participants aged 20–74 years (WOBASZ) and 5947 participants aged 20–99 years (WOBASZ II). In the 2013–2014 survey, hypercholesterolemia was found in 70.3% of men and 64.3% of women. Isolated hypertriglyceridemia was found in 5.6% of men and 2.4% of women. Isolated low levels of high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‑C) were found in 5.1% of men and in 7.3% of women. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia did not change significantly with regards to the 2003–2005 survey. An increase in the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was found in men (relative ratio [RR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.55), and an increase in the prevalence of low HDL‑C levels was observed in both sexes (men: RR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.77–2.88; women: RR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.61–2.33). There was an increase in the proportion of persons receiving high- or moderate‑intensity statin therapy. However, 60,6% of persons with hypercholesterolemia were not aware of their condition, and only 6% were treated and achieved the treatment target.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need for more effective strategies for the prevention and management of dyslipidemias.