Prevalence of dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and other risk factors in patients after cardiovascular events — a retrospective study in a Polish population

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia being prominent risk factors. This study aims to investigate the relationship between cholesterol levels and blood pressure in patients who have suffered cardiovascular events, while also assessing their understanding of the associated risks. An enhanced understanding of these dynamics is vital for developing effective interventions to improve patient outcomes. Material and methods: A total of 448 individuals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, with demographic data collected alongside clinical measurements of blood pressure and fasting lipid profiles. Participants were classified into hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups based on blood pressure readings. Cholesterol status was assessed, and a questionnaire was administered to gauge participants’ awareness and understanding of their cardiovascular risk factors. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for associations, odds ratios (ORs) for the strength of relationships, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine significance. Results: Among the participants, 65.8% were diagnosed with arterial hypertension, with no significant sex differences observed in the prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.913). Abnormal cholesterol levels were reported in 58.3% of the cohort, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia was similar between sexes (p = 0.337). There was a significant association between hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels (p < 0.001), with hypertensive individuals showing a threefold increase in the odds of having abnormal cholesterol (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 2.03–4.56). Additionally, impaired glucose metabolism was significantly more prevalent among hypertensive participants (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.58–4.23). Notably, there were no significant associations discovered between hypertension and lifestyle factors such as smoking, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep quality, or body weight control. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical relationship between hypertension and dyslipidemia in patients who have experienced cardiovascular events, emphasizing that individuals with hypertension are at significantly greater risk for abnormal cholesterol levels. The findings also highlight a concerning gap in patients’ awareness of cardiovascular risk factors. Enhanced patient education on the importance of managing both blood pressure and cholesterol is essential for improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of future cardiovascular events. Implementing targeted interventions that enhance patient understanding and engagement in their health management is crucial for promoting proactive cardiovascular care.