OBESITY, HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA, STATIN USE, AND PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN YOUNG ADULTS PRESENTING TO THE ED: A GROWING EPIDEMIC
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Keywords
Pulmonary Embolism, Obesity, Hypertriglyceridemia, Statin Use, Young Adults, Sedentary Lifestyle, Dyslipidemia, Metabolic Risk, Emergency Department
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is increasingly reported among young adults, often in association with lifestyle and metabolic risk factors. This study aimed to assess the relationship between obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, sedentary lifestyle, and the role of statin therapy in the occurrence of PE among young adults presenting to the emergency department (ED).
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Category D Hospital, Katlang, from January 2023 to January 2024. A total of 71 patients aged 18–40 years with suspected PE underwent clinical assessment, BMI calculation, lipid profiling, and CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Statin use was recorded among hypertriglyceridemic individuals. Chi-square test was used to assess associations, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: PE was confirmed in 38 patients (53.5%). Obesity (p = 0.002), hypertriglyceridemia (p < 0.001), and sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with PE. Among patients with elevated triglyceride levels (≥200 mg/dL), statin users showed a lower incidence of PE (50%) compared to non-users (83.3%) (p = 0.031). ICU admissions and thrombolysis were more frequent in the non-statin group. Smoking was not significantly associated with PE (p = 0.282). Conclusion: Obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and physical inactivity are major contributors to PE in young adults. Statin therapy may offer a protective effect against PE in individuals with elevated triglyceride levels. These findings underscore the importance of early metabolic screening and pharmacological intervention in high-risk young adults.
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Dr Mehran Khan
District Medical Specialist, Cat D Hospital Katlang District Mardan, Health Department KPK, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Fawad
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Gomal Medical College MTI DI Khan, Pakistan
Dr Seema Ashraf
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Rehman Medical College Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Abdul Basit Khan
Post Graduate Resident, Department of General Surgery, Bacha Khan Medical College / Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan
Dr Syeda Luba Hussain
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Watim Medical College Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Dr Ihsan Ullah
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saidu Medical College, Swat, Pakistan