Cardiometabolic indicators in high-altitude residents. La paz, Bolivia

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, with a high prevalence worldwide, and are most affected in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiometabolic indicators include systemic blood pressure, total cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and blood glucose. Predisposing risk markers include obesity, physical activity, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity (waist diameter > 102 cm in men and > 88 cm in women), family history, ethnic characteristics, and psychosocial and socioeconomic factors.

Objective: To determine the values ​​of cardiometabolic indicators: systemic blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, waist circumference, BMI, and glycosylated hemoglobin in the adult population living at high altitudes (3600 to 4100 m.a.s.l.)

Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of adults (n: 549) of both sexes, aged 18 to 80 years, living in La Paz and El Alto. Informed consent, medical history, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical and hematological tests were collected.

Results: 50% with a BMI equal to or greater than 25 kg/m2, systemic blood pressure does not vary with altitude, and average HDLc values ​​are greater than 40 mg/dL in men and >50 mg/dL in women, representing cardiovascular risk factors. LDLc is 119 mg/dL in women and 124 mg/dL in men, similar to those established by the ALAD. Fasting glucose is 81.2 ± 8.9 mg/dL.

Conclusion: The data report in inhabitants between 3600 and 4100 m.a.s.l. that there are upper cut-off points in relation to anthropometric parameters (BMI, CC, Hip C) and in particular, the new report in high altitude population, on WAIST-HEIGHT INDEX, is above (0.5) the value established in studies of sea level populations.