Socioeconomic Status, lifestyle factors, and lipid profiles: a comprehensive analysis of cardiovascular risk factors in the UK biobank

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and is influenced by a complex interplay of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Methods We analyzed data from 502,112 UK Biobank participants (mean age 56.53 years, 45.6% male) with complete lipid and sociodemographic information. Multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the relationships between cholesterol levels and various risk factors, while Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore associations with cardiovascular events. Results Increasing age was positively associated with cholesterol levels (β=0.0079, P < 0.001), whereas higher socioeconomic deprivation (Townsend deprivation index, TDI) correlated with lower cholesterol levels (β=−0.0151, P < 0.001). Compared to daily alcohol consumers, abstainers had significantly lower total cholesterol (β=−0.407, P < 0.001), with a dose-response pattern observed across alcohol intake categories. Male sex was strongly associated with higher cardiovascular risk (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.14–2.6, P = 0.011). Moderate alcohol intake showed protective effects compared to daily consumption. Cholesterol levels alone were not significantly associated with cardiovascular events (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.83–1.1, P = 0.316). Higher socioeconomic deprivation was inversely associated with both total cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events, contrary to some previous reports. Conclusions Our findings elucidate the complex relationships between social determinants, lifestyle factors, and cardiovascular risk. The results highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic context and lifestyle in CVD risk assessment, with potential implications for public health policy and personalized prevention strategies.