ERICA: prevalence of dyslipidemia in Brazilian adolescents

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine the distribution of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in Brazilian adolescents, as well as the prevalence of altered levels of such parameters.METHODS Data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) were used. This is a country-wide, school-based cross-sectional study that evaluated 12 to 17-year old adolescents living in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants. The average and distribution of plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were evaluated. Dyslipidemia was determined by levels of total cholesterol ≥ 170 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol < 45 mg/dL, or triglycerides ≥ 130 mg/dl. The data were analyzed by gender, age, and regions in Brazil.RESULTS We evaluated 38,069 adolescents – 59.9% of females, and 54.2% between 15 and 17 years. The average values found were: total cholesterol = 148.1 mg/dl (95%CI 147.1-149.1), HDL cholesterol = 47.3 mg/dl (95%CI 46.7-47.9), LDL cholesterol = 85.3 mg/dl (95%CI 84.5-86.1), and triglycerides = 77.8 mg/dl (95%CI 76.5-79.2). The female adolescents had higher average levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, without differences in the levels of triglycerides. We did not observe any significant differences between the average values among 12 to 14 and 15- to 17-year old adolescents. The most prevalent lipid alterations were low HDL cholesterol (46.8% [95%CI 44.8-48.9]), hypercholesterolemia (20.1% [95%CI 19.0-21.3]), and hypertriglyceridemia (7.8% [95%CI 7.1-8.6]). High LDL cholesterol was found in 3.5% (95%CI 3.2-4.0) of the adolescents. Prevalence of low HDL cholesterol was higher in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions.CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of Brazilian adolescents has alterations in their plasma lipids. The high prevalence of low HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia, especially in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions, must be analyzed in future studies, to support the creation of strategies for efficient interventions.

Association Between Abdominal Waist Circumference and Blood Pressure In Brazilian Adolescents With Normal Body Mass Index

“…The Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents -ERICA was the first nationally represented Brazilian study, designed to provide estimates of the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, obesity, CV risk factors, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers in adolescents [14][15][16][17]. The present study aims to evaluate the association between WC and elevated BP in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with a normal BMI.…”

Health promotion initiatives at school related to overweight, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia in adolescents: a cross-sectional study in Recife, Brazil

“…Overweight and obesity are among the main risk factors for the development of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, and are related to premature death and disability in adult life [2–4]. Studies have shown concerning proportions of dyslipidemia, systemic arterial hypertension, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents, which have caused changes in the epidemiological profile of the pediatric population [5–8]. …”

Factores asociados con el perfil lipídico de adolescentes

“…As in other studies 37,9 , gender did not influence lipid levels. On the other hand, some studies showed higher mean levels of TC, LDL-C, TG and HDL-C in females 1,38 . The literature shows that in girls a difference in growth and sexual maturation from 14 to 15 years of age can increase lipid levels, including TC 38 .…”

“…At early ages, it may cause an atherosclerotic process, and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. In Brazil, research shows a high prevalence of lipid disorders in adolescence [1][2][3][4] .…”