General obesity and Cardiovascular diseases among Gaur Brahmin population of NCR/Delhi

AIMS

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among human beings. The presence of endemic Cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors differ from population to population. The Cardiovascular diseases associated risk factors are sub-categorised into two forms, one is traditional and the other is non-traditional risk factors. The present study shows the prevalence of both risk factors and its association with Cardiovascular diseases, especially with reference to general obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study includes a total of 506 Gaur Brahmins residing in Delhi and National Capital Region India. Household survey was conducted and data were collected by using pre-tested interview schedule. Somatometric measurements were taken following the international standard techniques. Approx 5 ml blood was collected from each individual unrelated up to the first cousion. The serum was used to analyse the lipid profiles and fasting glucose level. All necessary statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and MS Excel. The ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The mean value of Somatometric variables such as Body Mass Index, Waist circumference and Waist-hip ratio and physiological variables DBP and SBP (diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure) were found to be higher than their respective ranges in the studied population. General obesity, though found to be less common in this population as compared to abdominal obesity, but it is found to be contributing to dyslipidemia.