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[Pordenone study: HDL-cholesterol and obesity indexes in the young]
A A Canterin1, G B Cignacco, V Donadon
1Centro Cardioreumatologico con Unità di Fisiopatologia della Nutrizione-Ospedale Civile di Pordenone.
Insights
Young obese individuals, particularly females with android obesity, exhibit lower HDL cholesterol levels, indicating increased coronary risk. Early monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors in overweight youth is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Follow-up study of the "Pordenone Study on the precursors of atherosclerosis in childhood" conducted in 1987.
- Re-examination of subjects ten years after initial observation to assess long-term health indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between obesity indices and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in young adults.
- To evaluate coronary risk factors in a cohort previously studied for atherosclerosis precursors in childhood.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol for evaluations.
- Assessed anthropometric (weight, height, skinfold thickness), biologic (HDL cholesterol), and anamnestic indicators of coronary risk.
- Re-examined 439 subjects (234 males, 205 females, aged 18-26 years).
Main Results:
- HDL cholesterol levels were lower in males compared to females.
- Obese subjects, in both sexes, demonstrated lower HDL cholesterol levels.
- Females with android obesity (high subscapular skinfold thickness) exhibited low HDL cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- An inverse correlation exists between HDL cholesterol and coronary risk.
- Young obese individuals generally have low HDL cholesterol levels, highlighting the need for early risk factor assessment.
- Preventive strategies should focus on overweight subjects from a young age, with particular attention to young females exhibiting android obesity.
Background:
In 1987, ten years after the first observation, we performed the follow-up of the subjects included in the "Pordenone Study on the precursors of atherosclerosis in childhood".
Methods:
The anthropometric, biologic and anamnestic indicators of coronary risk were evaluated. The W.H.O. protocol was always used. 439 (90%) subjects underwent reexamination, (234 males and 205 females between 18 and 26 years). HDL cholesterol, tricipital and subscapular skinfold thickness, weight and height were evaluated. The aim of our study was to find possible correlations between obesity indexes and HDL cholesterol values.
Results:
We found that HDL cholesterol levels are lower in males compared to females and that differences exist below and over the 80 degrees percentile of BMI. Obese subjects have lower HDL cholesterol levels in both sexes. Females with android obesity (subjects with subscapular skinfold thickness values over 80 degrees percentile) had low HDL cholesterol values.
Conclusions:
Because of this inverse correlation between HDL cholesterol and coronary risk, and because young obese generally have low HDL cholesterol levels, we believe that the study of coronary risk factors is also useful starting from this age in overweight subjects. This will be useful for preventive purposes. Particular attention must be given to young girls with android obesity.