Clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors in sub-Saharan Africans

Dyslipidemia, defined as abnormalities in circulating concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides [1], is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is associated with heightened risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and is a major contributor to global disability and mortality. According to the global burden of disease study, in 2019, high LDL cholesterol caused 4.4 million deaths (7.8% of total deaths) and 98.6 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) (3.9% of total DALYs) globally, representing the fifth and eighth risk factor for mortality and disability, respectively [2].