BackgroundSouth Asians living in western countries are known to have unfavourable cardiovascular risk profiles. Studies indicate migrants are worse off when compared to those living in country of origin. The purpose of this study was to compare selected cardiovascular risk factors between migrant Sri Lankans living in Oslo, Norway and Urban dwellers from Kandy, Sri Lanka.MethodsData on non fasting serum lipids, blood pressure, anthropometrics and socio demographics of Sri Lankan Tamils from two almost similar population based cross sectional studies in Oslo, Norway between 2000 and 2002 (1145 participants) and Kandy, Sri Lanka in 2005 (233 participants) were compared. Combined data were analyzed using linear regression analyses.ResultsMen and women in Oslo had higher HDL cholesterol. Men and women from Kandy had higher Total/HDL cholesterol ratios. Mean waist circumference and body mass index was higher in Oslo. Smoking among men was low (19.2% Oslo, 13.1% Kandy, P = 0.16). None of the women smoked. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in Kandy than in Oslo.ConclusionsOur comparison showed unexpected differences in risk factors between Sri Lankan migrants living in Oslo and those living in Kandy Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans in Oslo had favorable lipid profiles and blood pressure levels despite being more obese.

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Background: It is reported that high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and obesity emerge during childhood and adolescence, often clustered together and lead to the occurrence of Cardio Vascular Diseases in later life. Objectives:The present descriptive, cross sectional study was performed to describe the lipid profile, fasting sugar levels and related factors among adolescents in an urban setting in Sri Lanka.Methods: Biochemical assessment of serum lipid and glucose levels was carried out among 440 randomly selected students between 14 to15 years, studying in 30 public schools in the Kandy Municipal Council area. Behavioural and biological risk factors were assessed using selfadministered questionnaires and biochemical assessment and anthropometry were done using standard techniques Results:The mean Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) was 83.43mg/dl and it was significantly higher among the male adolescents (p<0.001). The mean total cholesterol was 184.33mg/dl. The mean total cholesterol (p=0.002), triglycerides (P=0.362) and LDL (P=0.044) were higher among female adolescents. The mean FBS, total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL values were higher among overweight students than other students in both sexes (P = 0.039). Insufficiently active students had higher mean total cholesterol and LDL levels and lower HDL levels than active students. Conclusions:The prevalence of high FBS levels was very low but the prevalence of dyslipidaemia was relatively high among adolescents. Overweight status and insufficient physical activity levels are associated with higher cholesterol levels. _____________________________________________________________________________

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