Lipid Profiles in First-Grade Students Reveal Early Cardiovascular Risks in Zabrze, Poland
Overview
A screening of 661 first-grade students in Zabrze, Poland, found that 14.8% had total cholesterol (TC) levels above 190 mg/dL, and over half had TC above 170 mg/dL, indicating elevated cardiovascular risk. Additionally, 31% of children were overweight or obese, highlighting the early presence of modifiable risk factors in this population.
Background
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, with premature exposure to risk factors contributing significantly. In Poland, hypercholesterolaemia affects approximately 20 million people. Early diagnosis and intervention in children can reduce long-term morbidity and mortality. Screening programs in children, such as the one conducted in Zabrze, aim to identify lipid abnormalities and other risk factors early to enable timely prevention.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Value/Prevalence
Number of children screened
661 (51.0% of eligible)
Median total cholesterol (TC)
170 mg/dL (Q1–Q3: 148–184)
Children with TC > 190 mg/dL
14.8% (n=98)
Children with TC > 170 mg/dL
51.6%
Median BMI
16.5 (Q1–Q3: 15.0–18.8)
Overweight prevalence
31.0% (33.1% boys, 29.0% girls)
Obesity prevalence
15.2% (17.5% boys, 12.8% girls)
Random glycaemia > 100 mg/dL
70.7% overall (75.5% boys, 66.1% girls)
Blood pressure ≥ 90th percentile
0%
Follow-up attendance (TC > 190 mg/dL)
17.3%
Median LDL-C in follow-up
184.5 mg/dL (Q1–Q3: 171.7–203.6)
Key Findings
14.8% of first-grade children had total cholesterol levels exceeding 190 mg/dL, indicating elevated cardiovascular risk.
Over half (51.6%) had total cholesterol levels above 170 mg/dL, a threshold suggestive of increased risk.
Approximately 31% of children were overweight or obese, with no significant sex differences.
Random glycaemia above 100 mg/dL was common (70.7%), though no child had levels indicating diabetes.
No children exhibited blood pressure readings at or above the 90th percentile for age, sex, and height.
Follow-up attendance for children with elevated cholesterol was low (17.3%), limiting further evaluation and intervention.
Clinical Implications
Early screening for lipid abnormalities and overweight in children is feasible and reveals a substantial burden of cardiovascular risk factors even at a young age. However, voluntary participation and low follow-up rates highlight the need for enhanced educational efforts and structured programs to improve adherence and ensure timely intervention. Incorporating such screening into routine pediatric care could facilitate early prevention strategies.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates a high prevalence of elevated cholesterol and overweight among first-grade children in Zabrze, underscoring the importance of early cardiovascular risk assessment. Effective implementation of screening programs and follow-up strategies is essential to reduce future cardiovascular morbidity.
References
Polish National Data 2023 -- Hypercholesterolaemia prevalence in Poland
European Guidelines 2021 -- Early prevention of cardiovascular disease
Slovenian National Screening Program 2020 -- Universal cholesterol screening in children
by Krzysztof Dyrbuś, Beata Chodór, Maciej Dyrbuś, Zofia Mędrala, Karolina Konsek, Natalia Nafalska, Małgorzata Stopyra, Michał Krawiec, Dominik Bełz, Krzysztof Feret, Krystyna Czapla, Marzena Reguła, Anna Gibas, Alicja Chachaj, Przemysław Trzeciak, Alicja Grzanka, Maciej Banach, Piotr Przybyłowski, Mariusz Gąsior
