A Prospective Comparative Study Evaluating Lipid Profile Alterations in Adults with Newly Diagnosed Hypertension versus Normotensive Individuals

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major global health problem and an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia frequentlycoexists with hypertension and accelerates atherosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Early identificationof lipid abnormalities in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients is crucial for effective risk stratification and preventive management, particularlyin resource-limited settings like Bihar, where patients often present late to tertiary care centers. Aim: To evaluate and compare lipid profile parameters in adults with newly diagnosed hypertension and normotensive individuals attending atertiary care referral center in Bihar. Methodology: This prospective comparative study included 200 participants (100 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and 100 normotensivecontrols) selected randomly from the medicine OPD over a 6-month period. Blood pressure was measured using standard guidelines. Fastinglipid profile, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and VLDL, was estimated using enzymatic methods. Data were analyzed usingSPSS version 20. Independent t-test, chi-square test, and Pearson correlation were applied, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Hypertensive patients had significantly higher mean levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL and significantly lowerHDL levels compared to normotensive individuals (p <0.001). Dyslipidemia was present in 72% of hypertensive subjects versus 36% of controls. A significant positive correlation was observed between blood pressure levels and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while HDL showeda negative correlation. Conclusion: Newly diagnosed hypertensive patients demonstrate significant lipid abnormalities at presentation. Routine lipid screening atdiagnosis is essential for early cardiovascular risk assessment and integrated management to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality.