EFFECT OF CIGARETTE SMOKING ON LIPID PROFILE

Abstract

Tobacco smoking is one of the most potent and prevalent addictive, influencing behavior of human beings for over four centuries. Cigarette smoking is an important factor for the development of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disorders. Cigarette smoking is known to alter the lipoprotein levels. Some authors have concluded that High density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels were same for smokers and non-smokers, while others have found conflicting results wherein significant variations (low levels of HDL in cigarette smokers) were obtained. The present study was done to compare the effects of cigarette smoking on lipid levels. This was a prospective study conducted at tertiary care hospital in South India from September May 2013 to August 2013. The subjects were selected from department of medicine who were undergoing master health check up. The smokers were divided into three groups. Mild smokers (Group I) = 1-10 cigarettes per day. Moderate smokers (Group II) = 11-20 cigarettes per day. Heavy smokers (Group III) = >20 cigarettes per day. The lipid levels were statistically significant in all the three groups. The HDL levels were moderately significantly (P£ 0.05) in Group I. All other lipid levels were highly significant (P£0.01) in all the three groups. When the lipid levels were compared along with the duration of smoking, there was statistically significant difference in total cholesterol and HDL levels, but moderately significant in triglycerides and Low density Lipoprotein (LDL), and no significant difference in Very Low density Lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. The results of this study show that smokers are at greater risk of developing atherosclerosis than non-smokers. The changes become more marked with increased duration and number of cigarette smoked. Creating awareness regarding health consequences of smoking at young age, particularly in schools and colleges will help in reducing cardiovascular mortality.

Key words: Tobacco smoking, lipid profile, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia