PREVALENCE OF DYSLIPIDEMIA IN A PERI-URBAN POPULATION: THE PAUNDRA KSHATRIYA OF SOUTH 24-PARGANAS, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Background and objectives: Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease. This study was undertaken in a peri-urbancommunity with a view to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Methods:Anthropometry and arterial pressure data were collected from 98 males and 142 females, aged 20-70 years. Subjects are belonged to the Paundra Kshatriya caste, a disadvantaged population group of West Bengal. Fasting blood samples were collected from the individuals who were on 12 hour fasting. Venous samples were assayed for lipids. Data on body height, weight, waist and hip circumference were collected. BMI and waist- hip ratios were calculated. Venn diagrams were drawn and linear regressions were performed. Results: More than 80 percent of the subjects (both the genders) showed the presence of the dyslipidemia. High LDL cholesterol emerged as prime cause for dyslipidemia in the studied population. Serum cholesterol and HDL (high density lipoprotein)cholesterol (C) were higher among females, while serum triglyceride and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol were higher among males than their counter part. Among males 6.12% and females 5.63% showed the presence of three lipid abnormalities (hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and high LDL cholesterol). Interpretation and Conclusion: In spite of adherence to a relatively less stressful and high physical activity lifestyle among the Paundra Kshatriya, the prevalence of lipid abnormalities was considerably high in them. This population is undergoing changes in their lifestyle and dietary pattern due to nearness of urban centre, Kolkata.