Lifestyle determinants of high- density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in young adults

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a potent predictor of coronary heart disease. Genetic as well as environmental factors including lifestyle factors play a role as determinants of its level in the blood. To examine the effects of certain lifestyle factors on serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in young adult people. Three-hundred thirtyeight young adult subjects of both sexes aged 20-44 years asymptomatic for cardiovascular diseases were interviewed according to special questionnaire including information on lifestyle habits. Physical examination was done, height, body weight, and blood pressure measurements were performed. Blood analysis to determine the blood level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol was done after 12 hours fasting. Smoking and obesity were the most significant risk factors associated with a decreased level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The level of HDL-C was 50.9 ± 12.1 mg / dl in smokers compared with 58.3 ± 12.8 mg / dl in non-smokers. Its level was 49.8 ± 9.8 mg / dl in obese individuals compared to 58.4 ± 12.8mg / dl in normal body weight subjects. Physical activity was not significantly associated with low level of HDL-C by univariate analysis, but it was found to be significantly associated with its level by the multiple regression analysis. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was a function of many factors, some of them were lifestyle related such as smoking, physical activity, and obesity. Therefore, efforts to encourage more physical activity, quitting smoking, consuming low fat diet, and keeping ideal body weight are recommended.