[Blood lipid levels and atherogenic risk in an open urban population]

We present the results of a population based survey in a low income area of Mexico City. The equivalent of three census tracts were identified and enumerated. The age eligible population (35-64 yrs) in the zone comprised 2253 subjects. A household interview was obtained in 94.8% and a physical exam with laboratory determinations was performed in 62.6% of the total population. The total number of cases studied was 1411 of which 565 were males and 846 were females. Age group distribution was as follows: group 1 (35-44 y) 235 men, 367 women; group 2 (45-54 y) 203 men, 289 women; and group 3 (55-64 y) 127 men, 190 women. The physical exam included the following measurements: height, weight, blood pressure measured with a random zero sphygmomanometer, subscapular and triceps skinfold measurements, and waist and hip circumferences. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated according to a standard formula; the subscapular/triceps ratio was used as centrality index and the waist/hip ratio was used to indicate upper/lower body fat distribution. In addition, the following blood lipids were measured following a 12 hr fast: total and HDL, LDL, VLDL-cholesterol as well as triglycerides. The mean BMI for women was 28.9 kg/m2, for men it was 27 kg/m2. The subscapular/triceps skinfold ratio revealed a predominantly central fat distribution pattern in both sexes. The waist/hip circumference ratio showed a predominantly lower fat distribution pattern also in both sexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)