Influence of life style factors on the lipid profile in middle-aged healthy female subjects (30-50 Years)

Abstract

The atherogenic process is influenced by the levels of different plasma lipoproteins, and epidemiological studies have shown a positive relationship between increased levels of serum total cholesterol and coronary heart disease (CHD). Thus, it becomes essential to establish normal levels of serum lipids for the respective range of population, for the normal level of one group cannot be accepted for that of another. Moreover, lipid ranges for the various age groups of Indians are scanty. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to study the lipid levels in the middle-aged female population of urban Baroda and the influence of life style factors on them. One hundred and twenty-five middle-aged female subjects (30-50 years) were enrolled from the five administrative wards of Baroda. Their background, clinical, and dietary information were collected through a structured questionnaire. Fasting venous blood samples were drawn, and the serum was used for analysis of fasting blood sugar and lipid profile. The results showed that the mean total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) were 177 mg/dl, 46 mg/dl, 98 mg/dl, and 31 mg/dl, respectively. The dietary data indicated that the mean caloric intake of the subjects was 1,464 kcal (78% of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Indians), with fat intake being twice the amount of RDA (≥ 60 g fat/day). Also, when the lipid profile of the subjects was studied in relation to the type of diet consumed, we found that those consuming non-vegetarian foods had non-significantly higher TC and triglyceride (TG) levels compared with vegetarians. The prevalence of obesity based on body mass index (BMI) ≥25 was 39%, and that based on the waist/hip ratio (WHR) ≥0.85 was 15%. This indicates a high prevalence of general and central obesity in these middle-aged female subjects. Daily exercise had a positive impact on lipid profile, as indicated by an increase in the HDL-C, which has a cardioprotective function.