Variations in the Prevalence of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease in Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil: A Comparative Analysis between 2002 and 2014

Background

Due to the importance of coronary artery disease (CAD), continuous investigation of the risk factors (RFs) is needed.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of RFs for CAD in cities in Rio Grande do Sul State, and compare it with that reported in a similar study conducted in the same cities in 2002.

Methods

Cross-sectional study on 1,056 healthy adults, investigating the prevalence and absolute and relative frequencies of the following RFs for CAD: obesity, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), dyslipidemias, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes mellitus, and family history, as well as age and sex. Data was collected in 19 cities, host of the Offices of the Regional Coordinators of Health, as in the 2002 study.

Results

Twenty-six percent of the sample consisted of older adults and 57% were women. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was 44%, history family 50%, smoking 23%, overweight/obesity 68%, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol levels) 43%, SAH 40%, and diabetes 11%. When compared to the 2002 study, the prevalence of active smoking and sedentary behavior decreased, whereas the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity increased. Obesity is the most prevalent RF in women, and SAH the most prevalent in men.

Conclusions

The prevalence of RFs for CAD in Rio Grande do Sul State remains high. Hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia are still prevalent and require major prevention programs. Smoking and physical inactivity have decreased in the state, suggesting the efficacy of related campaigns.     

Prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors by weight status in a population-based sample of Quebec children and adolescents

BACKGROUND:

There are few data on the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in population-based samples of overweight and obese youth.

OBJECTIVES:

To compare the prevalence of individual and multiple cardiometabolic risk factors across body mass index (BMI) categories in a population-based sample of youth.

METHODS:

In 1999, a school-based survey of a provincially representative sample of youth nine, 13 and 16 years of age was conducted in Quebec (1778 boys, 1835 girls). Overweight was defined as BMI in the 85th percentile or higher and lower than the 95th percentile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 growth charts, and obesity was defined as BMI in the 95th percentile or higher. Levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein and systolic blood pressure were categorized as desirable, borderline or unfavourable.

RESULTS:

The proportions of overweight and obese participants were 14% and 10% in boys, and 14% and 7% in girls, respectively. With the exception of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in girls, and glucose in both sexes, the prevalence of all investigated risk factors (borderline or unfavourable) was significantly higher among overweight and obese participants. Almost one-third of obese participants had unfavourable levels of at least two of seven risk factors (apolipoprotein B, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein and systolic blood pressure) compared with 3% of normal weight participants (adjusted OR 15 and 18 in boys and girls, respectively). Thirty-four per cent of obese youth did not have unfavourable levels of any risk factor.

CONCLUSION:

There is marked heterogeneity in the association between excess weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. Nonetheless, the present study highlights a high prevalence of multiple risk factors in a population-based sample of overweight and obese youth.     

High prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and the relationship between thyrotropin levels and cardiovascular risk factors in residents of the coastal area of China

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and the relationship between thyrotropin levels and cardiovascular risk factors in residents of the coastal area of China.

METHODS:

Atotalof4256individuals(mean[±SD]age50.51±14.24years; 2079 males, 2177 females,) were enrolled in the present study. Sex, blood pressure, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum levels of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and smoking status were measured. The relationship between thyrotropin levels and cardiovascular risk factors was analyzed.

RESULTS:

The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 11.07%. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (6.32%) was higher than that of hyperthyroidism (1.53%). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among female subjects was higher than that among male subjects (16.54% versus 5.34%, respectively; P<0.001). Significant differences were detected with respect to body mass index (P=0.026), waist-to-hip ratio (P<0.001), fasting glucose levels (P=0.001), total cholesterol levels (P=0.013), triglyceride levels (P=0.003) and smoking status according to different thyrotropin levels.

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was high in residents of China’s coastal area. Significant differences were detected with regard to body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and smoking status according to different thyrotropin levels.     

Risk Factors Associated with High Blood Pressure in Two-to Five-Year-Old Children

Background

Over recent decades, the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) has increased among children. Several risk factors are involved in the genesis of high BP during childhood, and their early identification can prevent the development of that disease.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of high BP and associated factors in children.

Methods

Cross-sectional, population-based study, carried out at the household. This study included 276 two- to five-year-old children in the city of Goiânia, state of Goiás, and assessed their BP, sociodemographic characteristics, birth weight, high BP family history, passive smoking, maternal breastfeeding, dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle and nutritional status. Poisson regression was used to assess the association between risk factors and high BP.

Results

Their mean age was 3.1 ± 0.79 years, and high BP and overweight were observed in 19.9% and 11.2% of the children, respectively. Direct association of high BP was identified with age [prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.3; 95%CI: 1.2 - 4.8; p = 0.017] and overweight (PR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.2 - 3.6; p = 0.014). No other variable associated with high BP.

Conclusions

The prevalence of high BP in children was high. Overweight and younger children had greater prevalence of high BP.     

Prevalence,risk factors,activity limitation and health care utilization of an obese population-based sample with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the prevalence and determine the risk factors and health associations among individuals with combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity.

METHODS:

Canadian national health survey data from 1994 to 2007 (n=650,000) were used. The presence of COPD was based on health professional-diagnosed self-report. The presence of obesity, defined by body mass index ≥30 kg/m², was identified using self-reported and measured height and weight. Hospitalization, homecare use, physical activity assessments and socioeconomic data were all self-reported.

RESULTS:

In 2005, the prevalence of obesity in COPD (n=3470) and non-COPD (n=92,237) individuals was 24.6% and 17.1%, respectively (P<0.0001). In contrast to the non-COPD group, in which obesity prevalence increased by 38% over 14 years, obesity prevalence increased by only 5% in people with COPD over this same time period. Female sex was the only independent risk factor for obesity in COPD. Previous smoking, residing in Atlantic Canada and the Territories, and low education level were independent risk factors for obesity in the non-COPD group, but not in the COPD group. The odds of physical activity limitation and health care utilization were significantly higher among obese individuals with COPD compared with nonobese COPD and obese non-COPD groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of obesity was higher in COPD, and exceeded that of the larger non-COPD group throughout the 13-year observation period. The presence of obesity in COPD was associated with significantly higher risk of severe activity limitation and increased health care utilization. The combination of obesity and COPD has major implications for health care delivery that has not been previously appreciated.     

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hemodialysis Patients - The CORDIAL Study

Background

There are scarce epidemiological data on cardiovascular risk profile of chronic hemodialysis patients in Brazil.

Objective

The CORDIAL study was designed to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and follow up a hemodialysis population in a Brazilian metropolitan city.

Methods

All patients undergoing regular hemodialysis for chronic renal failure in all fifteen nephrology centers of Porto Alegre were considered for inclusion in the baseline phase of the CORDIAL study. Clinical, laboratory and demographic data were obtained in medical records and in structured individual interviews performed in all patients by trained researchers.

Results

A total of 1215 patients were included (97.3% of all hemodialysis patients in the city of Porto Alegre). Their average age was 58.3 years old, 59.5% were male and 62.8% were white. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors observed was 87.5% for hypertension, 84.7% for dyslipidemia, 73.1% for sedentary lifestyle, 53.7% for tobacco use, and 35.8% for diabetes. In a multivariate adjusted analysis, we found that sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.032, PR 1.08 - 95%CI: 1.01-1.15), dyslipidemia (p = 0.019, PR 1.08 - 95%CI: 1.01-1.14), and obesity (p < 0.001, PR 1.96 - 95%CI: 1.45-2.63) were more frequent in women; and hypertension (p = 0.018, PR 1.06 - 95%CI: 1.01-1.11) and tobacco use (p = 0.006, PR 2.7 - 95%CI: 1.79-4.17) were more often found among patients under 65 years old. Sedentary lifestyle was independently associated with time in dialysis less than 12 months (p < 0.001, PR 1.23 - 95% CI: 1.14-1.33).

Conclusion

Hemodialysis patients in this southern metropolitan Brazilian city have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors resembling many northern countries.     

Dose-response relationship between physical activity and dyslipidemia in youth

BACKGROUND:

The minimal and optimal amount of physical activity associated with cardiovascular health benefits in young people is unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the dose-response relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with high-risk low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride values in youth.

METHODS:

The study sample consisted of 1235 adolescents (12 to 19 years of age) from the 2003/2004 and 2005/2006 cycles of the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Objective measures of MVPA were obtained over seven days with accelerometers. LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured from a fasting blood sample. High-risk values for these lipids/lipoproteins were determined using age- and sex-specific thresholds. Logistic regression models were used to determine the dose-response relationships between MVPA and high-risk lipid levels.

RESULTS:

ORs for high-risk HDL cholesterol and triglyceride values decreased in a curvilinear manner with increasing minutes of MVPA. Compared with no MVPA (0 min), the ORs for high-risk HDL cholesterol values at 15 min, 30 min and 60 min per day of MVPA were 0.29 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.67), 0.24 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.64) and 0.21 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.61), respectively. The corresponding ORs for high-risk triglyceride values were 0.40 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.76), 0.22 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.66) and 0.10 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.51). There was no discernible dose-response relationship between MVPA and LDL cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS:

Small amounts of MVPA were associated with a large reduction in the likelihood of having high-risk HDL cholesterol and triglyceride values in this representative sample of adolescents.     

Factors Associated with Misperception of Weight in the Stroke Belt

BACKGROUND

Understanding the reasons for overweight and obesity is critical to addressing the obesity epidemic. Often the decision to lose weight is based as much on one’s self-perception of being overweight as on inherent health benefits.

OBJECTIVE

Examine the relationships between self-reported health and demographic factors and measured health risk status and the misperception of actual weight status.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of factors associated with self-perceived overweight status in participants who self-selected to participate in stroke risk factor screenings. Participants were asked, “Are you overweight?” before their body mass index (BMI) was determined from measured weight and self-reported height. Demographics including, sex, race, education, and location; and health status variables including level of exercise and history of high blood pressure and cholesterol were collected.

RESULTS

Mean BMI for the group was 30 kg/m². Most women (53.1%) perceived themselves to be overweight, whereas most men (59.6%) perceived themselves not to be overweight. Factors related to misperception of weight status varied by actual BMI category. Among individuals with normal BMI, sedentary individuals had 63% higher odds of misperceiving themselves as overweight. Sedentary individuals with obese BMI were at 55% reduced odds of misperceiving themselves as normal weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Active obese and overweight individuals may be more likely to incorrectly perceive themselves as normal weight, and thus misperceive their risk for stroke. Thus, it is not enough to only counsel individuals to be active. Physicians and other health professionals need to counsel their clients to both be active and to attain and maintain a healthy weight.Key words: obesity, weight perception, body mass index, stroke belt, physical activity     

Quantification of HDL Proteins,Cardiac Events,and Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on Hemodialysis

Background and objectives

Impairment of HDL function has been associated with cardiovascular events in patients with kidney failure. The protein composition of HDLs is altered in these patients, presumably compromising the cardioprotective effects of HDLs. This post hoc study assessed the relation of distinct HDL-bound proteins with cardiovascular outcomes in a dialysis population.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The concentrations of HDL-associated serum amyloid A (SAA) and surfactant protein B (SP-B) were measured in 1152 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on hemodialysis participating in The German Diabetes Dialysis Study who were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment of 20 mg atorvastatin daily or matching placebo. The association of SAA(HDL) and SP-B(HDL) with cardiovascular outcomes was assessed in multivariate regression models adjusted for known clinical risk factors.

Results

High concentrations of SAA(HDL) were significantly and positively associated with the risk of cardiac events (hazard ratio per 1 SD higher, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.19). High concentrations of SP-B(HDL) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio per 1 SD higher, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.19). Adjustment for HDL cholesterol did not affect these associations.

Conclusions

In patients with diabetes on hemodialysis, SAA(HDL) and SP-B(HDL) were related to cardiac events and all-cause mortality, respectively, and they were independent of HDL cholesterol. These findings indicate that a remodeling of the HDL proteome was associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with ESRD.     

High blood Pressure in children and its correlation with three definitions of obesity in childhood

Background

Several authors have correlated the increase of cardiovascular risk with the nutritional status, however there are different criteria for the classification of overweight and obesity in children.

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of three nutritional classification criteria in children, as definers of the presence of obesity and predictors of high blood pressure in schoolchildren.

Methods

Eight hundred and seventeen children ranging 6 to 13 years old, enrolled in public schools in the municipality of Vila Velha (ES) were submitted to anthropometric evaluation and blood pressure measurement. The classification of the nutritional status was established by two international criteria (CDC/NCHS 2000 and IOTF 2000) and one Brazilian criterion (Conde e Monteiro 2006).

Results

The prevalence of overweight was higher when the criterion of Conde e Monteiro (27%) was used, and inferior by the IOTF (15%) criteria. High blood pressure was observed in 7.3% of children. It was identified a strong association between the presence of overweight and the occurrence of high blood pressure, regardless of the test used (p < 0.001). The test showing the highest sensitivity in predicting elevated BP was the Conde e Monteiro (44%), while the highest specificity (94%) and greater overall accuracy (63%), was the CDC criterion.

Conclusions

The prevalence of overweight in Brazilian children is higher when using the classification criterion of Conde e Monteiro, and lower when the criterion used is IOTF. The Brazilian classification criterion proved to be the most sensitive predictor of high BP risk in this sample.     

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Southern Iran: A Population Based Study

Background

Population based studies on prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in Iranian population are few. The prevalence of NAFLD and non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in Iranians varies from 2.9% to 7.1% in general population and 55.8% in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and determinants of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a sample of adult Iranian general population.

Patients and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study being performed in Shiraz, southern Iran during a 10-month period from November 2010 to September 2011 through cluster random sampling of Iranian general population in Shiraz region. All individuals undergone anthropometric, blood pressure measurements, thorough medical history and physical examinations. Laboratory measurements included fasting blood glucose (FBS), lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests. NAFLD was diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasonography.

Results

819 subjects were included in this study among which were 340 males (41.5%) and 479 females (58.5%) with the mean age of 43.1 ± 14.1 years. NAFLD was diagnosed in 176 (21.5%) subjects. Patients with NAFLD were significantly older (P < 0.001), had higher proportion of male gender (P = 0.004) and had higher BMI (P < 0.001). They also had higher prevalence of hypertension (P < 0.001), high FBS (P < 0.001), high cholesterol (P = 0.026), high triglyceride (P < 0.001) and high waist circumference (P < 0.001). Taking all these together, patients with NAFLD had significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome when compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of NAFLD in this group of Iranian adult general population is 21.5%. NAFLD in Iranian population is associated with male gender, old age, obesity, and features of metabolic syndrome.     

Dyslipidemia is Associated with Unfit and Overweight-Obese Children and Adolescents

Background

Both poor aerobic fitness and obesity, separately, are associated with abnormal lipid profiles.

Objective

To identify possible relationships of dyslipidemia with cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity, evaluated together, in children and adolescents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1,243 children and adolescents (563 males and 680 females) between 7 and 17 years of age from 19 schools. Obesity was assessed using body mass index (BMI) measurements, and cardiorespiratory fitness was determined via a 9-minute run/walk test. To analyze the lipid profile of each subject, the following markers were used: total cholesterol, cholesterol fractions (high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 20.0, via prevalence ratio (PR), using the Poisson regression.

Results

Dyslipidemia is more prevalent among unfit/overweight-obese children and adolescents compared with fit/underweight-normal weight boys (PR: 1.25; p = 0.007) and girls (PR: 1.30, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of dyslipidemia is directly related to both obesity and lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness.     

Early echocardiography abnormalities in obese children and adolescent and reversibility of these abnormalities after significant weight reduction

Background

Obesity is becoming an epidemic threat for the individual and society. The increasing prevalence of overweight children and adolescents is likely to have a great impact on the future cardiovascular health of these subjects. Obesity is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiac abnormalities of obese children and adolescents include the echocardiographically revealed early and preclinical LV or septal hypertrophy, and left or right ventricular dysfunction. Most of these abnormalities, which are usually more pronounced in patients with morbid obesity, can be partially reversed after weight reduction.

Aim of the study

Evaluate early echocardiography changes in obese children and whether these cardiac abnormalities reverse with significant weight reduction in children and adolescents or not.

Methods

We started this study by 50 obese children and adolescents and 30 non obese controls matched for age and sex. BMI was calculated. Complete echocardiographic study was performed on each patient and control subject. Hematological and biochemical variables were determined in the obese subjects from fasting blood samples and included glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. All our patients’ strict dietetic regime with exercises for 6 months. After 6 months full examination, including all measurements and echocardiography and laboratory investigations were done again.

Results

Obese children has abnormalities of left ventricle structure and function (consisting of increased left ventricular wall dimensions and mass and alteration of diastolic function) that can be detected by echocardiography. Furthermore, (parameters of lipid metabolism) were found to be independent predictors of adverse LV remodeling and of diastolic dysfunction. As well as this study provides evidence that abnormalities of left ventricular wall dimension and mass in obese children and adolescents can improve with significant weight reduction.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that young, obese children and adolescents have early significant changes in left ventricular wall dimensions and early diastolic filling compared with non obese and this changes are reversible with weight reduction.     

Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Risk of Incident CKD

Background and objectives

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is a unique obesity phenotype that apparently protects people from the metabolic complications of obesity. The association between MHO phenotype and incident CKD is unclear. Thus, this study investigated the association between MHO phenotype and incident CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A total of 3136 Japanese participants were enrolled in an 8-year follow-up cohort study in 2001. Metabolically healthy status was assessed by common clinical markers: BP, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose concentrations. Body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m² was defined as obesity. CKD was defined by proteinuria or eGFR of <60 ml/min per 1.73 m². To calculate the odds ratio for incident CKD, logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The crude incidence proportions of CKD were 2.6% (56 of 2122 participants) in participants with the metabolically healthy nonobesity phenotype, 2.6% (8 of 302) in those with the MHO phenotype, 6.7% (30 of 445) in those with the metabolically abnormal nonobesity phenotype, and 10.9% (29 of 267) in those with the metabolically abnormal obesity phenotype. Compared with metabolically healthy nonobesity phenotype, the odds ratios for incident CKD were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.36 to 1.72; P=0.64) for MHO, 1.44 (95% CI, 0.80 to 2.57; P=0.22) for metabolically abnormal nonobesity, and 2.80 (95% CI, 1.45 to 5.35; P=0.02) for metabolically abnormal obesity phenotype after adjustment for confounders, including age, sex, smoking statues, alcohol use, creatinine, uric acid, systolic BP, HDL cholesterol, and impaired fasting glucose or diabetes.

Conclusion

MHO phenotype was not associated with higher risk of incident CKD.     

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk in blood donors: results of the CARDIORISK study in the Parma Transfusion Service

Background

Cardiovascular disease, which is one of the main causes of mortality in industrialised countries, is ever increasingly the focus of prevention. In this study, called “Cardiorisk”, we evaluated cardiovascular risk in the population of blood donors at the Service of Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine in Parma.

Patients and methods

Between January 2007 and December 2008, 6,172 consecutive blood donors (aged 35–65 years) were enrolled in this project which entailed calculating each subject’s cardiovascular risk score, based on an evaluation of both unalterable risk factors (age and gender) and modifiable risk factors (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glycaemia, smoking, hypertension) as well as anti-hypertensive and/or cholesterol-lowering therapy.

Results

Of the 6,172 donors enrolled in the study, 5,039 (81.7%) had a low cardiovascular risk (score from 0–10), 774 (12.5%) had a moderate cardiovascular risk (score from 11–19) and 359 (5.8%) donors had a high cardiovascular risk (score from 20–28).

Conclusions

In our opinion, the calculation of cardiovascular risk is an important instrument for preventive medicine in blood donors.     

Cholesterol lipoproteins and prevalence of dyslipidemias in urban Asian Indians: A cross sectional study

Objective

To determine levels of cholesterol lipoproteins and prevalence of dyslipidemias in urban Asian Indians.

Methods

Population based 6123 subjects (men 3388) were evaluated. Mean±1SD of various cholesterol lipoproteins (total, HDL, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol) and triglycerides were reported. Subjects were classified according to US National Cholesterol Education Program.

Results

Age-adjusted levels in men and women were cholesterol total 178.4 ± 39 and 184.6 ± 39, HDL 44.9 ± 11 and 51.1 ± 11, LDL 102.5 ± 33 and 106.2 ± 33, total:HDL 4.15 ± 1.2 and 3.79 ± 1.0 and triglycerides 162.5 ± 83 and 143.7 ± 83 mg/dl. Age-adjusted prevalence (%) in men and women, respectively were, total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dl 25.1 and 24.9, LDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dl 16.3 and 15.1 and ≥100 mg/dl 49.5 and 49.7, HDL cholesterol <40/<50 mg/dl 33.6 and 52.8, total:HDL cholesterol ≥4.5 29.4 and 16.8, and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl 42.1 and 32.9%. Cholesterol level was significantly greater in subjects with better socioeconomic status, body mass index and waist circumference while triglycerides were more among those with high socioeconomic status, fat intake, body mass index and waist circumference (p < 0.05). Hypercholesterolemia awareness (15.6%), treatment (7.2%) and control (4.1%) were low.

Conclusions

Mean cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are low and triglycerides were high in urban Asian Indians. Most prevalent dyslipidemias are borderline high LDL, low HDL and high triglycerides. Subjects with high socioeconomic status, high fat intake and greater adiposity have higher total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride and lower HDL cholesterol.     

Long-term effects of a ketogenic diet in obese patients

BACKGROUND:

Although various studies have examined the short-term effects of a ketogenic diet in reducing weight in obese patients, its long-term effects on various physical and biochemical parameters are not known.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effects of a 24-week ketogenic diet (consisting of 30 g carbohydrate, 1 g/kg body weight protein, 20% saturated fat, and 80% polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat) in obese patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In the present study, 83 obese patients (39 men and 44 women) with a body mass index greater than 35 kg/m², and high glucose and cholesterol levels were selected. The body weight, body mass index, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, urea and creatinine levels were determined before and after the administration of the ketogenic diet. Changes in these parameters were monitored after eight, 16 and 24 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS:

The weight and body mass index of the patients decreased significantly (P<0.0001). The level of total cholesterol decreased from week 1 to week 24. HDL cholesterol levels significantly increased, whereas LDL cholesterol levels significantly decreased after treatment. The level of triglycerides decreased significantly following 24 weeks of treatment. The level of blood glucose significantly decreased. The changes in the level of urea and creatinine were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study shows the beneficial effects of a long-term ketogenic diet. It significantly reduced the body weight and body mass index of the patients. Furthermore, it decreased the level of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose, and increased the level of HDL cholesterol. Administering a ketogenic diet for a relatively longer period of time did not produce any significant side effects in the patients. Therefore, the present study confirms that it is safe to use a ketogenic diet for a longer period of time than previously demonstrated.     

Metabolic Syndrome and Importance of Associated Variables in Children and Adolescents in Guabiruba - SC,Brazil

Background

The risk factors that characterize metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be present in childhood and adolescence, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

Objective

Evaluate the prevalence of MetS and the importance of its associated variables, including insulin resistance (IR), in children and adolescents in the city of Guabiruba-SC, Brazil.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with 1011 students (6-14 years, 52.4% girls, 58.5% children). Blood samples were collected for measurement of biochemical parameters by routine laboratory methods. IR was estimated by the HOMA-IR index, and weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure were determined. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between risk variables and MetS.

Results

The prevalence of MetS, IR, overweight and obesity in the cohort were 14%, 8.5%, 21% and 13%, respectively. Among students with MetS, 27% had IR, 33% were overweight, 45.5% were obese and 22% were eutrophic. IR was more common in overweight (48%) and obese (41%) students when compared with eutrophic individuals (11%; p = 0.034). The variables with greatest influence on the development of MetS were obesity (OR = 32.7), overweight (OR = 6.1), IR (OR = 4.4; p ≤ 0.0001 for all) and age (OR = 1.15; p = 0.014).

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents evaluated in this study. Students who were obese, overweight or insulin resistant had higher chances of developing the syndrome.     

Prevalence and clinical profile of metabolic obesity and phenotypic obesity in Asian Indians

Background

We estimated the prevalence of metabolically obese nonobese (MONO), metabolically obese obese (MOO), and metabolically healthy obese (MHO) individuals and correlated this with the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO) in urban South Indians.

Method

Study subjects (n = 2350) were recruited from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study. Generalized obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m², based on the World Health Organization Asia Pacific guidelines. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was diagnosed based on the South Asian Modified-National Cholesterol Education Programme criteria. Coronary artery disease was defined by known myocardial infarction or Q waves on resting electrocardiogram.

Results

Metabolically obese nonobese was defined as nonobese subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m²) with MS, MOO as obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) with MS, MHO as obese subjects (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) with no MS, and MHNO as no obesity or MS. Metabolically obese nonobese was identified in 355 (15.1%), MOO in 348 (14.8%), MHO in 312 (13.3%), and MHNO in 1335 (56.8%) subjects. The prevalence of CAD among the MONO, MOO, MHO, and MHNO was 5.5%, 4.2%, 1.4%, and 2.6%. However, when age standardization was done, there was no statistically significant increase in the risk of CAD among MONO [odds ratio (OR) = 1.300, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.706–2.394, p = .339], MOO (OR = 1.651, 95% CI 0.852–3.199, p = .137), and MHO (OR = 0.524, 95% CI 0.250–2.130, p = .564) groups compared to MHNO, perhaps due to small numbers.

Conclusion

Metabolic obesity may have different clinical implications than phenotypic obesity.