Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-28, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Richmond Owusu Ateko, Andrew Decker, Afua Bontu Adjei, Samuel Mawuli Adadey, Eric Nana Yaw Nyarko, Nicholas Ekow Thomford
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0350185
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Dyslipidaemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has become an increasing public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Rapid urbanisation, dietary transitions, and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to the rising incidence of cardiometabolic diseases in Ghana. However, evidence on the overall burden and patterns of dyslipidaemia in adults remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence on the prevalence and lipid profile patterns of adult Ghanaians.
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online, Africa-Wide Information and African Index Medicus databases was conducted for studies published between January 1980 and November 2025. Eligible studies reported the prevalence or distribution of dyslipidaemia in Ghanaian adults (≥ 18 years). Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and assessed the quality of included studies. Findings were synthesised narratively and summarised in descriptive tables and figures, due to heterogeneity in study designs and data reporting.
Twenty-four studies published between 2003 and 2023, comprising approximately 11,400 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Across the included studies, the reported prevalence of dyslipidaemia ranged from 3.0% to 72.4%, reflecting differences in study populations, diagnostic criteria and study settings. Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was the most frequent abnormality, followed by elevated total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), whereas hypertriglyceridaemia was the least common. Studies from southern and middle regions—particularly Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, and Greater Accra—reported a higher dyslipidaemia prevalence than those from northern Ghana. Considerable variation in diagnostic criteria, study populations and sampling strategies limited comparability and precluded meta-analysis.
Dyslipidaemia is common among adult Ghanaians, with low HDL-C emerging as the predominant abnormality. Methodological differences and sampling biases limit the precise estimation of the national burden, but the available evidence indicates a growing cardiometabolic risk. Future studies should prioritise community-based sampling and context-appropriate lipid thresholds to support evidence-based cardiovascular risk-reduction strategies.
Introduction
Dyslipidaemia, a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), is characterised by abnormal levels of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood, including elevated total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), and/or reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [1]. CVD remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, accounting for an increasing proportion of deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [2,3].
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of dyslipidaemia has risen substantially in recent times due to rapid urbanisation, dietary transitions, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles [4,5]. A study by Noubiap et al. reported continental prevalence estimates of 25% for elevated TC, 37% for low HDL-C, 28.6% for elevated LDL-C, and 17% for elevated TG, with considerable inter-country variation [6]. Despite these figures, national-level data for several African countries, such as Ghana, remain limited or fragmented.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider technology & industry desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Richmond Owusu Ateko, Andrew Decker, Afua Bontu Adjei, Samuel Mawuli Adadey, Eric Nana Yaw Nyarko, Nicholas Ekow Thomford. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Prevalence and risk factors of cardiometabolic disease among informal sector workers in Cape Coast, Ghana: Insights from the CarMeR study
- Evidence brief: The burden of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in Africa: A systematic review
- Evidence brief: Prevalence, diagnostic methods, and clinical outcomes of wasting among paediatric cancer patients in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
