European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias represent a significant public health concern globally, with serum cholesterol levels being a potential modifiable risk factor. However, the direct correlation between cholesterol levels and the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia across different demographics remains inadequately understood.This cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate the association between serum cholesterol levels and the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias, considering various demographic and health status factors. Methods: The study involved a diverse cohort of participants categorized by age, gender, and health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Serum cholesterol levels were classified as desirable (<200 mg/dL), borderline high (200-239 mg/dL), and high (≥240 mg/dL). The prevalence of arrhythmia across these categories and other demographic factors was analyzed. Results: Among the participants, 30% had desirable, 40% had borderline high, and 30% had high cholesterol levels. The overall arrhythmia prevalence was 24%. A significant increase in arrhythmia prevalence was observed with higher cholesterol levels: 6% in desirable, 28% in borderline high, and 43% in high cholesterol levels. Males with high cholesterol and participants with diabetes and high cholesterol exhibited higher arrhythmia prevalence, at 46% and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant association between elevated serum cholesterol levels and increased prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias. This association is especially pronounced in individuals with additional risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.