Lipid profile and dietary habits in an elderly rural population in the southern Spain: the <i>Sierra de Huelva</i> study

Abstract

We have assessed serum lipids, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in a healthy, free living population over 70 years old residing for more than 20 years in a rural area located in the southern Spain, the <i>Sierra de Huelva</i>. 401 elderly, 229 women (F) and 179 men (M) mean age 79.36 ± 6.9 were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Dietary habits were assessed by means of a Modification of the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDDS), which comprised 11 components. A total score ranging from 0-44 was calculated. Mean concentration for lipids were: Total cholesterol (TC) 193.8 ± 23.1, M 195.2 ± 25.7 and F 192.7 ± 20.8 (p = 0.29); HDLc 60.3 ± 7.6 mg/dl, M 60.0 ± 8.0 and F 60.5 ± 7.2 (p = 0.49); TC/HDLc 3.3 ± 1.1 mg/dl, M 3.4 ± 1.2 and F 3.3 ± 1.1 mg/dl (p < 0.35); LDLc 127.3 30.1 mg/dl, M 129.0 ± 32.9 F 126.0 ± 27.8 mg/dl (p = 0.33); TG 137.7 ± 18.3, M 138.8 ± 19.4 and F 136 ± 17.4 (p = 0.30). Global prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (TC ≥200 mg/dl) was 8.7%, F 7.9% and M 9.9%; 10.7% had LDLc≥160 mg/dl. In this study, age was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with TC, LDLc, TG and SBP and positively with HDLc. Pig meat consumption was negatively correlated with CT and LDLc, and positively with HDLc. According to MMDS data, 60.6 ± 6.9% of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was obtained. The MMDS was positively associated with age and negatively with TG (p < 0.05). Further studies are needed to establish the influence of local Iberian pig meat products consumption and life style on the lower incidence of risk factors for CVD and the higher life expectancy of the studied population.<br><br>Hemos evaluado los lípidos séricos, la presión sistólica (SBP) y diastólica (DBP) en un grupo de ancianos no institucionalizados de más de 70 años que residen en una zona rural localizada en el sur de España, la Sierra de Huelva. 401 ancianos, 229 mujeres (F) and 179 hombres (M) con una edad media de 79,36 ± 6,9 años, se incluyeron en este estudio observacional transversal. Los hábitos alimentarios fueron evaluados mediante una modificación del Mediterranean Diet Score MMDS) que incluyó a 11 grupos de alimentos. Se obtuvo una puntuación total que oscilaba entre 0-44. La concentración media de lípidos fue: colesterol total (TC) 193,8 ± 23,1, M 195,2 ± 25,7 y F 192,7 ± 20,8 (p = 0,29); HDLc 60,3 ± 7,6 mg/dl, M 58,0 ± 8,0 y F 60,5 ± 7,2 (p = 0,49); TC/HDLc 3,3 ± 1,1 mg/dl, M 3,4 ± 1,2 and F 3,3 ± 1,1 mg/dl (p < 0,35); LDLc 127,3 ± 30,1 mg/dl, M 129,0 ± 32.9 F 127,3 ± 30,1 mg/dl (p < 0,33); TG 137,7 ± 18,8, M 138,8 ± 19,4 y F 136,0 ± 17,4 (p < 0,30). La prevalencia total de hipercolesterolemia (TC 200 mg/dl) fue de 8,7%, F 7,9% y M 9,9%; 10,7% de la población presentó niveles de LDLc≥160 mg/dl. La edad se correlacionó negativamente (p < 0,05) con TC, LDLc, TG y SBP y positivamente con el HDLc. Según los datos de MMDS la adherencia a la Dieta Mediterranea fue del 60.6 ± 6.9%. El consumo de carne de cerdo se correlacionó negativamente con CT y LDLc, y positivamente con HDLc. El MMDS se relacionó positivamente con...