Exploring the Relationship Between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Serum Lipid Levels

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a global threat that is known to be accompanied by inflammation and oxidative stress as well as dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia increases the risk of cardiovascular occasions which are frequent in the case of COPD. It is therefore important to understand the relationship that exists between serum lipid levels and COPD so as to achieve an integrated approach to the disease.

 Objectives: to examine the relationship between serum lipids and COPD with a focus on identifying possible concordance between impaired lipid profile and the severity of COPD in the groups of patients.

Study Design: A Cross Sectional Study.

Duration and place of study. Department of Medicine Med clinic Al Noor hospital Abu Dhabi UAE form Aug 2023 to Jan 2024

 Methods: 100 patients with diagnosed COPD. Blood cholesterol include Total Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol AND triglycerides were determined. To determine COPD severity the GOLD criteria were applied based on spirometry with airflow limitation being reported. Quantitative data were analyzed for correlation using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and data was taken at a significance level of 0. 05. Variability of the lipid measurements was controlled by calculating the standard deviation.

 Results: 100 patients (60 males and 40 females) with mean age of 62 ± 8 / years. Total cholesterol was significantly higher in severe COPD patients, with 45% of these patients showing levels above 240 mg/dL (mean: Interestingly this was a much higher value than those reported by other Studyers (mean = 240 ± 15 mg/dL). HDL levels were notably lower, with 60% of patients having HDL levels below 40 mg/dL (mean: The total cholesterol level was significantly higher in rural men as compared to urban, and rural women (35 ± 6 mg/dL). It was determined that the LDL level has a strong positive correlation with COPD severity wherein fifty percent of the patients that fall under the severe category have high LDL level (p = 0. 02). The variability of LDL was 10 mg/dL and that of HDL was 5 mg/dL. Further, 40% had elevated levels of triglyceride > 150 mg/dL with a proved correlation with COPD severity (p= 0. 03).

Conclusion: The findings of our Study that relationship between raised serum lipid profile and status of COPD. Increased total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels and reduced HDL were more frequent in patient with moderate and severe COPD and thus, care should not only be directed to respiratory management of COPD but also to the lipid profiles.