The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lipid levels

Abstract

Objective: To conduct an epidemiological survey of the lipid profile of patients treated in the years 2019, 2021, and 2023. Methods: This is a retrospective study based on information extracted from blood samples collected in 2019, 2021, and 2023. The data were tabulated in Excel spreadsheets, forming a database. The associated variables were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple comparisons test, and the chi-square test of independence. Results: Lipid profiles of patients treated at the Clinical Laboratory of PUC Goiás were analyzed during the pre-pandemic period, the pandemic peak, and the post-pandemic period, focusing on changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The chi-square test of independence, ANOVA, and Tukey’s test showed p<0.001, reinforcing the change in total cholesterol in the samples analyzed from 2019 to 2023. The data support the idea that there was a real reduction in the number of patients with elevated LDL levels. Conclusion: Despite limitations, the results highlight cardiovascular prevention, health education, therapeutic adherence, and physical activity as measures to mitigate cardiac risk and prevent dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in the post-pandemic period.