Related Experiment Videos

Relationship between waist circumference and cholesterol in Central Africans with congestive heart failure

B Longo-Mbenza1, H F A Mambune, J B Kasiam

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kinshasa, DR Congo. longombenza@yahoo.fr

West African Journal of Medicine
|April 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including Helicobacter pylori, were studied in Black Africans with heart failure. Low HDL-C was linked to heart attack and stroke, while waist circumference and HDL-C determined total cholesterol.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Traditional coronary heart disease risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa remain debated.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
  • To explore the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in Black Africans with congestive heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, observational study involving 100 participants (48 men, 52 women).
  • Analysis included univariate and multivariate assessments of various clinical and biochemical parameters.
  • Specific focus on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) categories and their associations.

Main Results:

  • Congestive heart failure was associated with abdominal obesity, hypertension, chronic renal failure, low HDL-C, excessive alcohol intake, and hyperuricaemia.
  • Waist circumference and HDL-C were significant determinants of total cholesterol (TC).
  • Low HDL-C was significantly associated with ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction; H. pylori gastritis correlated with a higher TC:HDL-C ratio.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed on HDL-C function and its interplay with other factors.
  • A specific ethnic definition of metabolic syndrome in Africans is required for better risk assessment.
  • Preventive strategies should consider the unique risk factor profile in this population.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...