Comparison of early cardiovascular risk among Brazilian and African university students

Abstract Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a principal factor risk. Hence the study of biochemical markers is necessary for early diagnosis. Objectives: Evaluate biomarkers to diagnose the risks of cardiovascular diseases in healthy Brazilian and African young adults. Design & Methods: Weight, height, waist circumference, percentage of body fat and systemic blood pressure were measured; and fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, and apolipoproteins A-I and B were measured on automated equipment using commercially available kits, in addition to the tests of antioxidant capacity of HDL and the enzymatic activity of Paraoxonase 1. Results: After statistical analysis, it was found that BMI, WC, fat (%), triglycerides, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and Vmax were higher in Brazilians, while HDL-c, ApoA-I, Lag Time, Vmax and PON1 activity were higher in Africans. In Brazilians, the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was related to obesity factors and lipid profile, but in Africans it was related only to lipids. The antioxidant capacity of HDL and PON1 activity was better in Africans. Through independence testing, we observed an association with moderate risk of myocardial infarction with gender in Africans. In the binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that men in general — and particularly African men — have higher risk of myocardial infarction than women; Odds Ratio 2,144 (CI95%: 1,343–3,424) and 2,281 (CI95%: 1,082–4,811), respectively. Conclusions: The anthropometric and biochemical parameters of Brazilians, especially men, predispose them to greater risks of cardiovascular diseases.