Prevalence of Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Its Association with Cardiovascular Risk in a Cross-Sectional Adult Population

Davletov K. Baibolsynova I. Umirbekov N. Auyelbekova A. Lee S. Kulmanbetov R. Kulimbet M.
November 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Journal of Clinical Medicine
2025 #14 Issue 22

Background/Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited lipid disorder that markedly elevates lifetime risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet remains under-recognized globally. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of phenotype-defined FH among adults in Almaty, Kazakhstan, describe lipid profiles and treatment patterns, and examine the association between FH status and prevalent CVD. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of routinely collected clinical and laboratory data from adults (≥18 years) recorded between March 2023 and March 2024. FH status was classified using Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria (probable: 6–8 points; possible: 3–5). Outcomes included lipid measures, statin use, and CVD. Group comparisons used standard tests; multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for prevalent CVD, controlling for age, sex, smoking, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and LDL-C. Results: Among 2468 participants (mean age 45.2 ± 14.3 years; 64.7% women), FH prevalence was 0.4% probable (n = 10) and 6.7% possible (n = 166). FH groups had substantially higher LDL-C and higher systolic blood pressure. Overall statin use was 6.7%; within FH, 13.3% (possible) and 10.0% (probable) used statins. Prevalent CVD affected 18.6% overall, rising to 48.2% (possible FH) and 60.0% (probable FH) (p < 0.001). After adjustment, FH remained independently associated with CVD (AOR 8.15, 95%CI 5.30–12.53 for possible; AOR 40.60, 95%CI 9.15–180.2 for probable vs. non-FH). Age and BMI were positively associated with CVD; LDL-C showed an inverse association consistent with treatment confounding. Conclusions: In this Kazakhstani adult cohort, phenotype-defined FH was present in 0.4% probable and 6.7% possible with a high burden of prevalent CVD and low statin use. These findings highlight substantial missed opportunities for early detection and aggressive lipid-lowering therapy, and support implementing FH identification, treatment intensification, and family-based cascade strategies in Kazakhstan.

cardiovascular disease , familial hypercholesterolemia , Kazakhstan , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи

Scientific Technologic Park, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Science Department, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
City Polyclinic №32, Almaty, 050054, Kazakhstan
Department of Orthodontics, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan

Scientific Technologic Park
Science Department
City Polyclinic №32
Department of Orthodontics

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026