Int J Endocrinol. 2026 Jun 24;2026:5596073. doi: 10.1155/ije/5596073. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death worldwide and in Saudi Arabia, accounting for about 31% of all deaths globally and 45% of deaths in the Kingdom. The aim of this review was to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of lipid disorders (mainly dyslipidemia) which are major contributors to CVD in Saudi Arabia. The unique risk profile of the Saudi population with a high prevalence of dyslipidemia (especially low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and high triglycerides), in addition to the genetic factors, urbanization, sedentary lifestyle, and change in diet to a western style has been described. National surveys showed prevalence rates of dyslipidemia > 50% in adults and high prevalence in adolescents with high regional and gender differences. Low HDL-C was the most common and important lipid abnormality, which was significantly related to all-cause and CVD mortality and independently predicts adverse outcomes. This review summarizes the limits of the current treatment strategy that mainly focuses on LDL-C lowering and shows the need for the development of new therapies targeting HDL-C and triglycerides. The public health implications include an increasing economic burden, the need for early screening, culture-adapted prevention programs, and integration of genetic risk prediction. Large-scale epidemiological studies, national registries, and personalized medicine approaches are needed to fill the gaps in knowledge and optimize management. Implementing population-based programs is a must to decrease the burden of CVD and improve the outcome in Saudi Arabia which may be an example for other countries experiencing the same epidemiological transition.
PMID:42359162 | PMC:PMC13292023 | DOI:10.1155/ije/5596073