The Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in the Roma in Western Slovakia

Introduction and aim: Nutritional studies point to the importance of the quality of food consumed in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease before the total amount of food consumed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of Roma in western Slovakia on the basis of selected markers. Materials and methodology: In our study, we determined the following parameters: total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, homocysteine, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 in 320 probands aged 20-60 years. Results and discussion: In the Roma population, we found a significant decrease in vitamin B9 and a significant increase in vitamin B12 compared to the majority population. Conclusion: The Roma population consumes little fruit and vegetables, which was confirmed by low concentrations of folic acid. Based on the findings, more effective education in the field of diet and eating habits should be developed which would be used in primary prevention in the Roma population.