Background & Objective: Dyslipidemia is a key modifiable risk factor for ischemic heart disease, influenced by lifestylerelated factors such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes, as well as age and sex. Smoking may synergistically worsen dyslipidemia, increasing cardiovascular risk. Given its high prevalence in Bangladesh, early screening is essential. This study examined the association between smoking and dyslipidemia..

Patients & Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Rajshahi Medical College, in collaboration with the Institute of Biological Sciences, Rajshahi University, from 2017 to 2023. Adult male subjects aged 30–60 years attending the biochemistry laboratory for lipid profile testing were enrolled. Individuals with dyslipidemia were considered cases, while those with normal lipid profiles served as controls. Exclusion criteria included tobacco chewing, ex-smoking, comorbidities or medications affecting lipid levels, and obesity under dietary restriction. A total of 230 subjects were included. Smoking exposure was defined as smoking ≥5 cigarettes daily for ≥5 years. Dyslipidemia was defined as TC:HDL ratio >4.5 or TG:HDL ratio >3.5.

Results: Smoking was significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Smokers had over tenfold higher risk of hypercholesterolemia (95% CI: 6.1–17.8) and sixfold higher risk of elevated LDL (≥130 mg/dl; 95% CI: 3.5–9.9). The risk of low HDL (<40 mg/dl) was more than threefold higher (95% CI: 1.9–5.1). Smoking duration showed no significant correlation with lipid parameters. After adjustment using logistic regression, smoking and diabetes independently predicted dyslipidemia, each conferring over twofold increased risk.

Conclusion: Smokers are significantly more likely to develop dyslipidemia than non-smokers, characterized by elevated total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides with reduced HDL. Smoking duration, however, showed no significant association with lipid profiles.

Dr. Farhana Yasmin is an academic professional in Community Medicine and Public Health with over nine years of experience in medical education, academic leadership, and institutional development in Bangladesh. She began her academic career on 20 July 2015 as a Lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine, where she developed strong expertise in undergraduate teaching, curriculum delivery, and community-based medical education.

She subsequently served as Assistant Professor (Current Charge) and Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Naogaon Medical College from July 2020 to October 2021, followed by her appointment at Rajshahi Medical College, where she also led the department as Head between January 2023 and May 2024. Since November 2024, Dr. Yasmin has been affiliated with Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College, Bogura, where she continues to serve as Assistant Professor (Current Charge) in the Department of Community Medicine & Public Health and previously held the position of Head of the Department.