ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY PATTERNS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MARKERS AMONG PAKISTANI ADULTS: A HOSPITAL-BASED ANALYTICAL STUDY
Keywords:
Cardiovascular Diseases, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diet, Dietary Patterns, Dyslipidemias, Lipids, PakistanAbstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in Pakistan, largely influenced by modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet. Rapid urbanization has led to a shift from traditional, plant-based diets toward Westernized dietary habits rich in saturated fats and processed foods, contributing to dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between traditional, mixed, and Westernized dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk markers, particularly lipid profiles, among Pakistani adults attending tertiary care hospitals.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January to September 2023 in three tertiary hospitals across Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. A total of 315 adults aged 25–65 years were enrolled through purposive sampling. Dietary patterns were derived using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire and principal component analysis. Fasting serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides, were measured using enzymatic colorimetric assays. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression were applied, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, and physical activity, with significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Participants adhering to traditional diets had significantly lower mean LDL-C (108 ± 29 mg/dL) and triglycerides (142 ± 51 mg/dL) and higher HDL-C (54 ± 11 mg/dL) compared to those following Westernized diets, who exhibited higher LDL-C (141 ± 35 mg/dL), triglycerides (189 ± 63 mg/dL), and lower HDL-C (43 ± 9 mg/dL) (p < 0.001). Regression analysis confirmed positive associations between Westernized diets and atherogenic lipid markers after adjustment for confounders.
CONCLUSION: Traditional dietary patterns were associated with a more favorable lipid profile, while Westernized diets increased cardiovascular risk. Promoting culturally appropriate, traditional diets may help mitigate the rising burden of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease in Pakistan.
KEY TERMS: Cardiovascular Diseases, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diet, Dietary Patterns, Dyslipidemias, Lipids, Pakistan
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