[Distribution of lipidic values in teenagers that smoke]

To determine the lipidic profiles in a population of teenagers and determine their relationship with smoking.

We have studied 910 teenagers, between 14 and 17 years of age. Information regarding smoking was obtained with a questionnaire. Serum levels of cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, apoprotein A and apoprotein B were measured by enzymatic methods.

Total cholesterol of non-smokers is higher than in smokers. Even if we divide the population studied by gender, the difference remain. Nevertheless, smokers' mean HDL level is lower, especially in boys. The LDL/HDL index is slightly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. However, if we separate boys and girls, we found some differences. Boys that smoke have higher cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL than non-smoking boys. Adjusting lipidic values by body mass, age and triglyceride serum levels, the relationship between smoking and lower cholesterol, HDL and apoprotein A and higher serum triglyceride levels remains in boys.