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Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Hypercholesterolemia among apparently healthy university students
Said M Shawar1, Neda A Al-Bati, Ali Al-Mahameed
1Biotechnology Program, School of Graduate Studies, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Oman Medical Journal
|October 17, 2012
Summary
Hypercholesterolemia (HC) affects 26.5% of young students in the Arab Gulf. After counseling, 15.6% still had HC, suggesting a potential genetic link and need for further research into this coronary heart disease risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Limited data exists on HC prevalence among youth in Arab Gulf countries.
- Assessing HC in young, healthy university students can identify early CHD risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of HC in young, healthy university students in the Arab Gulf.
- To identify potential risk factors and associations with HC in this demographic.
- To inform future strategies for CHD prevention in young populations.
Main Methods:
- Lipid profiles, glucose, total protein, albumin, TSH, and hsCRP were analyzed in 166 students (ages 16-30).
- Lifestyle, medical history, and BMI were assessed via questionnaires and measurements.
- Data analysis included Chi-Square tests with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Main Results:
- 26.5% of students initially presented with primary hypercholesterolemia (PHC).
- After counseling, 15.6% remained hypercholesterolemic.
- Significant correlations were found between high total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, hsCRP, and TC/HDL-C (p<0.001). Males showed higher TC/HDL-C and hsCRP.
Conclusions:
- A notable percentage of young students exhibit PHC, warranting further investigation.
- A genetic component is suspected to contribute to the high PHC prevalence.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing HC and preventing future CHD.
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