Association of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Dyslipidemia Among Individuals Attending General Health Checkups at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Background Helicobacter pylori is a highly prevalent chronic infection that induces persistent gastric inflammation and has been increasingly implicated in alterations of lipid metabolism. Several studies suggest an association between H. pylori infection and dyslipidemia, potentially contributing to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease; however, findings remain inconsistent and causal relationships are debated. Objective The objective of the study is to determine the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and dyslipidemia. Materials and methods This study is a cross-sectional study conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu, Nepal, a tertiary care referral center. It involved a retrospective analysis of records collected at General Health Checkup (GHC) clinic by a physician. Data collection was done retrospectively from pre-existing medical records. The study population included patients with documented H. pylori serological status and available lipid profile results during the study period. Information on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, medication use, lifestyle factors and known comorbidities was collected using a pretested, standardized questionnaire adapted from literature. Standardized methods were used for anthropometric measurements. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). Results This study included a total of 242 participants and categorized them into three groups based on Helicobacter pylori serology - seronegative, equivocal, and seropositive. In the study, BMI and body weight showed significant positive correlations with LDL (r = 0.208, p = 0.008) and total cholesterol (r = 0.187, p = 0.017). Body weight was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.204, p = 0.009). No significant correlations were observed between fasting blood glucose and lipid parameters, suggesting that H. pylori infection may be associated with increased body weight, though not with overt hyperglycemia. The current study's findings showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the mean Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) levels of those with and without H. pylori infection. (FBG: 5.37 {+/-} 1.20 mmol/L in seronegative participants, 5.29 {+/-} 0.93 mmol/L in equivocal participants, and 5.56 {+/-} 0.92 mmol/L in seropositive participants (p = 0.347)). Among other risk factors, a significant association was found between male sex and H. pylori infection (H. pylori-seropositive men (49.1%) compared to seronegative males (26.5%), p = 0.004). Smoking status did not substantially differ among patients who tested positive for H. Pylori, and alcohol consumption showed a weak correlation (P=0.064). Conclusion The findings of the study suggest that H. pylori seropositivity is significantly associated with higher body weight and dyslipidemia, particularly elevated TC and LDL cholesterol levels, highlighting the importance of lipid screening and weight reduction in H. pylori-positive patients.