Changes in the prevalence, treatment, and control of hypercholesterolemia and other dyslipidemias over 10 years in Poland: the WOBASZ study

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.