Tehran University study finds high dyslipidemia rates in Iran

A study by researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences has revealed high rates of dyslipidemia among Iranians, potentially placing millions at risk of heart disease and stroke. Analyzing data from the PERSIAN Cohort—one of Iran’s largest population health studies—researchers examined over 161,000 adults aged 35 to 70 across 18 diverse geographic regions between 2014 and 2020.

The findings indicate that 73.2% of participants exhibited at least one type of dyslipidemia. The most common abnormality was high triglycerides (40.4%), followed by high total cholesterol (36.2%), low HDL (32.1%), and high LDL (23.4%). Key lifestyle factors linked to these abnormal levels include obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Medical experts note that cardiovascular diseases account for more than 40% of annual deaths in Iran. Dr. Manouchehr Qarooni, a cardiovascular specialist, highlighted that while genetics play a role, modern lifestyle changes—such as increased obesity compared to previous generations—are significant drivers. The study also found that many individuals at high risk were not receiving appropriate statin treatments, or those under treatment were not reaching healthy lipid levels.