Comparison of Lipid Profile in Smokers and Non Smokers in and around Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh

A large number of risk factors which predispose to atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases have been identified. These include modifiable ones like hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, changing lifestyle and non-modifiable ones like age and sex. As the number of risk factors in an individual increases, so does the risk of developing atherosclerosis and its complications mainly as coronary artery diseases (CAD). In subject more than one of these risk factors the risk is more than additive.

Although smoking has been established as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, the mechanism by which it increases the risk of coronary heart disease is unclear. However, studies to date have revealed incomplete, inconclusive or conflicting results about the association of smoking on the plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. In some studies, smokers had increased plasma cholesterol levels, in others plasma cholesterol level have actually been lower. Only a few studies have specifically examined the plasma lipoprotein according to smoking status or no. of cigarettes (dosage). Smokers are reported to have higher LDL and lower HDL cholesterol levels than non-smokers. A total number of 200 age and sex matched subjects comprising of 100 healthy non smokers as controls and 100 healthy smokers as cases were included in the study. Lipid profile was studied in both the groups. However in the present study, the levels total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and LDL cholesterol very significantly increased and decrease in HDL cholesterol in smokers when compared to non smokers. This can be attributed to the risk of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerotic changes in smokers.