[Lipid profile of subjects undergoing coronary angiography in different Brazilian regions]

To analyse the lipid profile and also nonlipid risk factors (RF) in individuals < or = 65 years subjected to coronary angiography in four Brazilian regions.

We determined in mg/dL plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in 260 men and 144 women consecutively subjected to a first coronary angiography in 11 cardiologic centers of 4 Brazilian regions. We also analysed frequencies of hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, sedentary habits and family history.

CAD patients exhibited higher mean values of TC, TG and LDL-C and lower of HDL-C and higher frequencies of undesirable values of those variables. CAD women > or = 50 yrs showed higher mean values of TC, HDL-C and LDL-C and higher frequencies of TC > or = 200 and LDL-C > or = 130 mg/dL. CAD men showed higher mean values of TG and lower of HDL-C. Higher mean values of TC were observed in CAD patients from Middle-West. Diabetes and smoking were more frequent in CAD; higher prevalence of diabetes was found in women > or = 50 yrs and of smoking in those < 50 yrs. No differences between CAD and control were observed regarding hypertension, sedentary habits, obesity and family history. CAD from South exhibited higher frequencies of smoking and family history and lower of sedentary habits.

CAD exhibited differences on the lipid profile and on the prevalence of non lipid risk factor than controls. These differences were not similar in four Brazilian regions. This may reflect different lifestyles from region to region and probably depends on the different socio-economic and educational levels.