Age and Sex Specific Reference Intervals for Modifiable Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases for Gujarati Asian Indians

Abstract

Objective. We aimed to establish age and sex specific percentile reference data for cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids, sugar, blood pressure, and BMI in apparently healthy and disease-free Gujarati population. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 3265 apparently healthy and disease-free individuals of both genders residing in Gujarat state. Fasting samples of blood were used for biochemical estimations of lipids and sugar. The measurement of BMI and blood pressure was also done according to the standard guidelines. Age and gender specific 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles were obtained. Results. The mean values of lipids, sugar, blood pressure, and BMI were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in males as compared to female population. Age-wise distribution trends showed increase in the risk factors from the 2nd decade until the 5th to 6th decade in most of the cases, where loss of premenopausal protection in females was also observed. Specific trends according to gender and age were observed in percentile values of various parameters. Conclusion. The outcome of current study will contribute significantly to proposing clinically important reference values of various lipids, sugar, blood pressure, and BMI that could be used to screen the asymptomatic Gujarati Indian population with a propensity of developing dyslipidemia, diabetes, blood pressure, and obesity.

Effects of a physical activity and nutritional intervention in overweight and obese children through an educational and recreational camp

“…Physical inactivity and obesity are seen as major problems in global public health in the 21st century (Dumith, 2011; WHO, 2010). This is unsettling because a sedentary lifestyle in children may not only hold back their growth and development, but also serve as the foundation for poor eating behaviours in adolescence and adulthood (Sahoo et al, 2015). A sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet are associated with obesity and thus to increased mortality risks (Haskell et al, 2007; Soltoft, Hammer, Kragh, 2009; Kohl et al, 2012).…”