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Circannual variations in blood cholesterol levels
E Kristal-Boneh1, G Harari, M S Green
1Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Occupational Health and Rehabilitation Institute, Ra'anana, Israel.
Chronobiology International
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Blood cholesterol levels show seasonal variation, peaking in spring and lowest in summer. This annual cholesterol rhythm, influenced by environmental temperature, is significant for clinical evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Human Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The seasonality of blood cholesterol remains inconsistently documented, with studies reporting varied seasonal patterns or no significant changes.
- Previous research indicates potential circannual variations in cholesterol, often citing winter peaks and summer troughs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the circannual variation of serum cholesterol levels within a large cohort in Israel.
- To analyze seasonal patterns in cholesterol and their potential correlation with environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Israeli CORDIS study, including serum cholesterol and blood counts from 3,726 men and 1,514 women screened between 1985-1987.
- Employed cosinor analysis to assess the circannual rhythm of serum cholesterol levels.
Main Results:
- Serum cholesterol levels exhibited a statistically significant circannual rhythm.
- The highest serum cholesterol levels were observed in spring, while the lowest levels occurred in summer.
- A notable correlation was found between circannual cholesterol variation and environmental temperature changes.
Conclusions:
- Serum cholesterol demonstrates a considerable circannual variation, with distinct seasonal peaks and troughs.
- Environmental temperature is a potential contributing factor to the observed annual cholesterol fluctuations.
- The identified circannual changes in serum cholesterol warrant consideration during patient clinical evaluations.