Dyslipidemic Changes in Non-Obese Patients with Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Abstract

D yslipidemia can refer to any abnormality of lipids, or fats, in the blood, it usually is associated with elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Of these, LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, appears to be the most significant in terms of risk. In developed countries, most dyslipidemias are hyperlipidemias; that is, an elevation of lipids in the blood. This is often due to diet and lifestyle. Prolonged elevation of insulin levels can also lead to dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia, along with other risk factors such as smoking and hypertension, can cause atherosclerosis, or accumulation of plaques within arteries. This, in turn, can predispose for coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease, leading to myocardial infarction, stroke, and other serious health issues. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the world’s most widespread nutritional disorder and also the commonest cause of anaemia occurring regardless of age, gender and socioeconomic status, affecting both industrialized and developing countries. On a worldwide basis, WHO has estimated that about a third of the population is suffering from anaemia with IDA affecting over twice as many. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and dyslipidemia in non-obese patients and to assess the effect of iron therapy on lipid profile.