The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

ABSTRACT
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a potent predictor of coronary heart disease. Genetic as well as environmental
factors including lifestyle factors play a role as determinants of its level in the blood. To examine the effects of certain
lifestyle factors on serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in young adult people. Three-hundred thirtyeight
young adult subjects of both sexes aged 20-44 years asymptomatic for cardiovascular diseases were interviewed
according to special questionnaire including information on lifestyle habits. Physical examination was done, height,
body weight, and blood pressure measurements were performed. Blood analysis to determine the blood level of high
density lipoprotein cholesterol was done after 12 hours fasting. Smoking and obesity were the most significant risk
factors associated with a decreased level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The level of HDL-C was 50.9±12.1
mg/dl in smokers compared with 58.3±12.8 mg/dl in non-smokers. Its level was 49.8±9.8 mg/dl in obese individuals
compared to 58.4±12.8mg/dl in normal body weight subjects. Physical activity was not significantly associated with
low level of HDL-C by univariate analysis, but it was found to be significantly associated with its level by the multiple
regression analysis. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was a function of many factors, some of them were
lifestyle related such as smoking, physical activity, and obesity. Therefore, efforts to encourage more physical
activity, quitting smoking, consuming low fat diet, and keeping ideal body weight are recommended.