Risk Factors For Heart Disease Research Articles

The influence of module-based coronary heart disease risk factor education on the level of patient knowledge at Hospital of PKU Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective patient education regarding CHD and its risk factors is essential for prevention and management. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a module-based educational intervention on improving patient knowledge of CHD risk factors. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test control group design. A total of 34 participants were selected via quota sampling, with 17 assigned to the intervention group and 17 to the control group. Participants' knowledge levels were measured using the Heart Disease Facts Questionnaire (HDFQ) before and after receiving education on CHD risk factors through a structured booklet and Counselling Events Units (SAP). Results: Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test revealed a significant increase in the knowledge levels of the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.001), indicating the effectiveness of the module-based education. Conclusion: Module-based education on CHD risk factors significantly improves patient knowledge. This approach can be an effective educational tool in clinical settings for enhancing patient understanding and reducing CHD risk.

The Effectiveness of Early Detection of Heart Disease and Health Promotion on Attitude and Lifestyle Changes of Residents At Risk Of Heart Disease Post-Covid-19 Pandemic

During the Covid-19 pandemic, heart disease patients were at very high risk of experiencing severe complications if exposed to the virus. One important effort in preventing cardiovascular diseases is to identify the cardiovascular risk factors in each individual. There are several models for detecting risk, one of which is the Jakarta Cardiovascular Score. Health promotion is also an effort to manage modifiable risk factors for heart disease. Health promotion is expected to prevent risky behaviors that lead to an increase in heart disease incidence in the long term. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of early detection and health promotion in changing the attitudes and lifestyles of residents at risk of heart disease post-Covid-19 pandemic. The research method used in this study is a quasi-experimental design with one group of 30 respondents. The study was conducted in the working area of the Pasar Minggu District Health Center in Jakarta. The results showed that after the intervention, which included early detection and health promotion, there was a change in attitude by 0.8 points, from 88.13 (before intervention) to 88.95 (after intervention). The T-test results showed a p-value of 0.004, indicating a statistically significant difference between before and after the intervention. The respondents' lifestyle also changed by 5.5 points, from 66.03 (before intervention) to 71.62 (after intervention), with a p-value of 0.004, indicating a statistically significant difference between before and after the intervention.

Reactive oxygen species in hypertension.

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for stroke, heart disease and chronic kidney disease. Multiple interacting factors and organ systems increase blood pressure and cause target-organ damage. Among the many molecular elements involved in the development of hypertension are reactive oxygen species (ROS), which influence cellular processes in systems that contribute to blood pressure elevation (such as the cardiovascular, renal, immune and central nervous systems, or the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system). Dysregulated ROS production (oxidative stress) is a hallmark of hypertension in humans and experimental models. Of the many ROS-generating enzymes, NADPH oxidases are the most important in the development of hypertension. At the cellular level, ROS influence signalling pathways that define cell fate and function. Oxidative stress promotes aberrant redox signalling and cell injury, causing endothelial dysfunction, vascular damage, cardiovascular remodelling, inflammation and renal injury, which are all important in both the causes and consequences of hypertension. ROS scavengers reduce blood pressure in almost all experimental models of hypertension; however, clinical trials of antioxidants have yielded mixed results. In this Review, we highlight the latest advances in the understanding of the role and the clinical implications of ROS in hypertension. We focus on cellular sources of ROS, molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and alterations in redox signalling in organ systems, and their contributions to hypertension.

A User-Centered Data Visualization of Atherosclerotic Heart Disease Risk Factors.

High cholesterol levels significantly contribute to the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD), with a notable portion of ischemic heart disease cases linked to elevated cholesterol levels. Effective graphical displays of lipid panel tests and other cardiac risk factors are crucial for quick and accurate data interpretation, enabling early intervention for individuals with hyperlipidemia. Applying design theories such as Gestalt and distributed cognitive theories is essential for creating user-centered graphical data displays in the context of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. The proposed dashboard informed by these theories is expected to help healthcare providers better address cardiovascular disease (CVD), enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Moreover, this approach may help alleviate clinical provider burnout, improve patient outcomes, and reduce provider stress, thus contributing to safer and more effective healthcare systems.

Preconception underweight and the risk of offspring congenital heart diseases in young pregnant women: Evidence from the China Birth Cohort Study.

Maternal obesity is a highly suggestive risk factor of offspring congenital heart diseases (CHD). However, the risk of offspring CHD associated with maternal underweight has rarely been mentioned. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of preconception underweight on offspring CHD. From November 2017 to August 2021, 132 386 pregnant women were enrolled in a birth cohort study in China in early pregnancy, and completed follow-up until delivery (or miscarriage/termination). Offspring CHD was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound examination in both live births and stillbirths. Log-binomial regression and restricted cubic spline were used to estimate the risk of offspring CHD associated with preconception body mass index (BMI). A generalized additive model was used to explore the modification effect of maternal age on the association between preconception BMI and offspring CHD. A total of 129 096 pregnant women were included in the analysis. The incidence of CHD in the underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity groups were 117/17 313 (0.68%), 556/85 695 (0.65%), 128/19 936 (0.64%), 47/6152 (0.76%), respectively. Both underweight and obesity before pregnancy marginally increased the risk of offspring CHD. The association between preconception BMI and offspring CHD varied by maternal age, with low preconception BMI associated with a significantly higher risk of offspring CHD in women <24 years (RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.07-5.01 for 17 vs 21 kg/m2). Preconception underweight was associated with an increased risk of offspring CHD in young pregnant women. Therefore, weight gain is important to prevent offspring CHD, especially for young women with low preconception BMI.

A Global Perspective on Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Educational Level in CHD Patients: SURF CHD II.

Clinical guidelines recommend lifestyle modifications and medication use to control cardiovascular risk factors in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. However, risk factor control remains challenging especially in patients with lower educational level. To assess inequalities by educational level in the secondary prevention of CHD in the Survey of Risk Factors in Coronary Heart Disease (SURF CHD II). SURF CHD II is a cross-sectional clinical audit on secondary prevention of CHD, conducted during routine clinical visits in 29 countries. The easy-to-perform design of the survey facilitates its implementation in settings with limited resources. We reported risk factor recording, attainment of guideline-defined risk factor targets, and treatment in CHD patients. Differences by educational level in target attainment and treatment were assessed with logistic regression stratified for high- (HIC), upper middle- (UMIC), and lower middle-income (LMIC) countries. SURF CHD II included 13,884 patients from 2019 to 2022, of which 25.0% were female and 18.6% had achieved only primary school level. Risk factor recording ranged from 22.2% for waist circumference to 95.6% for smoking status, and target attainment from 15.9% for waist circumference to 78.7% for smoking. Most patients used cardioprotective medications and 50.5% attended cardiac rehabilitation.Patients with secondary or tertiary education were more likely to meet targets for smoking, LDL cholesterol and physical activity in HICs and LMICs; for physical activity and triglycerides in UMICs; but less likely to meet targets for blood pressure in HICs and LDL <1.4mmol/L in UMICs. Higher education was positively associated with medication use and cardiac rehabilitation participation. CHD patients generally have poor attainment of risk factor targets, but patients with a higher educational level are generally more likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation, use medication, and meet targets. Target attainment and participation in cardiac rehabilitation are poor in CHD patients globally.Patients with higher education are more likely to meet risk factor targets, showing health inequities in secondary prevention of CHD.The association between education and risk factor target attainment and treatment varies with country income level.

LOW EJECTION FRACTION PATIENTS' RESPONSE TO HEART FAILURE REVERSAL THERAPY – A SINGLE CASE STUDY

In India, chronic heart failure (CHF) has increased significantly despite improved medicine therapy. The overall prognosis of CHF patients was found to be unsatisfactory due to a decreased ejection fraction or a low aerobic capacity in CHF patients, resulting in rising mortality and morbidity rates. Perhaps complementary and alternative medications can aid in the treatment of congestive heart failure as an adjuvant. Ayurveda is one approach which can be applied to the treatment. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of panchakarma therapy in treating a variety of illnesses, and it can be treated as Heart failure reversal therapy. Heart failure reversal therapy (HFRT) is a unique treatment intended to improve cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with CHF. This study quantifies the maximal aerobic capacity (MAC) of patients with CHF whose mortality and morbidity rates are rising. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the efficacy of HFRT as an adjuvant therapy for patients with CHF and a low ejection fraction. In the present case report, HF was treated for six months with conventional medicine. Then, only Ayurveda treatment was offered, along with lifestyle adjustment, after examining the cause and risk factors for heart disease. This case report thereby describes the beneficial role of Ayurveda in heart failure with poor ejection fraction (35%) in a 65-year-old male with comorbidities who has been treated in our institute for six months.

A Prospective Study on Lifestyle Factors, Body Mass Index Changes, and Lipitension Risk in Japanese Young and Middle-Aged Women.

Background: This study investigates how lifestyle factors and westernization contribute to obesity and examines the influence of body mass index (BMI) changes and lifestyle factors on "lipitension," a significant risk factor for heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Methods: This prospective study focused on women aged 20-64 without pre-existing hypertension and dyslipidemia who underwent regular medical checkups between April 2016 and March 2022. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure, along with low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides levels, were assessed. Results: Over an average 46.5-month follow-up, 11.5% of initially healthy young and middle-aged women developed lipitension. Categorizing participants based on BMI changes revealed stable (63.8%), decreased (12.5%), and increased (23.8%) groups within this 11.5%. Increased BMI is linked with a heightened hazard risk for lipitension. Women with increased BMI who refrained from snacking (aHR [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.750 [1.433-5.279]), avoided late-night eating (aHR [95% CI] = 1.346 [1.032-1.754]), and engaged in alcohol consumption (aHR [95% CI] = 2.037 [1.138-3.646]) showed an elevated risk. Conversely, within the decreased BMI group, behaviors like skipping breakfast (aHR [95% CI] = 0.190 [0.047-0.764]), eating quickly (aHR [95% CI] = 0.457 [0.215-0.972]), and not eating late (aHR [95% CI] = 0.665 [0.467-0.948]) were associated to a reduced lipitension. Subgroup analysis for women with BMI <23 revealed specific behaviors influencing lipitension risk in both BMI-increased and BMI-stable groups. Conclusion: Customized interventions, including for women with BMI <23, enhance heart health, mitigating global lifestyle diseases and obesity.

Risk Factors of Ischemic Heart Disease and Risk-Related Awareness in University Students

Objective: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most fatal disease in Turkey. The present study attempted to explore IHD risk factors and risk-related awareness among university students. Materials and Methods: We took the height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure measurements of 786 university students and tried to identify their IHD risk factors and risk-related awareness through a survey. The study was carried out on a public university campus over three weekends in October 2022. Results: The findings showed that the most common modifiable IHD risk factors were poor physical activity (48.9%), smoking (30.5%), and overweight/obesity (21.5%) in our sample aged 18-35 years. Yet, the most prevalent non-modifiable risk factor was found to be familial chronic diseases (29.9%). Besides, the participants were found to have poor knowledge of IHD risk factors (8.9±2.5). Our other remarkable finding demonstrated that the male students’ knowledge of CVD was poorer than their female counterparts, although the male gender is a non-modifiable CVD risk factor. Conclusion: Participants with a relatively high level of education, interestingly, had poor knowledge and risk awareness of IHD despite bearing a higher rate of IHD risk factors.

Advances of therapy for Alzheimer's disease: An updated review

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of dementia characterized by a decline in brain function, which leads to the inability to perform activities independently. Many researchers recognize abnormalities related to beta‐amyloid as the main cause of the disease (i.e., the beta‐amyloid hypothesis), but aging, genetics, coronary heart disease, environmental factors, gender, and other risk factors may also contribute to AD development. Three drugs with different mechanisms are available for AD treatment: cholinesterase inhibitors, N‐methyl d‐aspartate, and aducanumab. This study reviewed the therapies that are already applied in clinical practice and those that are currently being investigated for clinical use. These therapies include not only pharmacological treatments but also non‐pharmacological treatments, such as gut flora therapy and music therapy. A comprehensive understanding of these therapies is necessary to enable early intervention, improve patients' physical and mental conditions, delay the occurrence and development of AD, and extend patients' healthy lifespans.

Inflammation, oxidative stress and gut microbiome perturbation: A narrative review of mechanisms and treatment of the alcohol hangover.

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the world, the leading source of mortality in 15-49-year-olds, and a major risk factor for heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. Despite this, alcohol is regularly misused in wider society. Consumers of excess alcohol often note a constellation of negative symptoms, known as the alcohol hangover. However, the alcohol hangover is not considered to have long-term clinical significance by clinicians or consumers. We undertook a critical review of the literature to demonstrate the pathophysiological mechanisms of the alcohol hangover. Hereafter, the alcohol hangover is re-defined as a manifestation of sickness behavior secondary to alcohol-induced inflammation, using the Bradford-Hill criteria to demonstrate causation above correlation. Alcohol causes inflammation through oxidative stress and endotoxemia. Alcohol metabolism is oxidative and increased intake causes relative tissue hypoxia and increased free radical generation. Tissue damage ensues through lipid peroxidation and the formation of DNA/protein adducts. Byproducts of alcohol metabolism such as acetaldehyde and congeners, sleep deprivation, and the activation of nonspecific inducible CYP2E1 in alcohol-exposed tissues exacerbate free radical generation. Tissue damage and cell death lead to inflammation, but in the intestine loss of epithelial cells leads to intestinal permeability, allowing the translocation of pathogenic bacteria to the systemic circulation (endotoxemia). This leads to a well-characterized cascade of systemic inflammation, additionally activating toll-like receptor 4 to induce sickness behavior. Considering the evidence, it is suggested that hangover frequency and severity may be predictors of the development of later alcohol-related diseases, meriting formal confirmation in prospective studies. In light of the mechanisms of alcohol-mediated inflammation, research into gut permeability and the gut microbiome may be an exciting future therapeutic avenue to prevent alcohol hangover and other alcohol-related diseases.

Prognostic Value of QRS Complex Fragmentation in Patients with Acute Anterior STEMI undergoing Primary PCI During in-Hospital Stay

Abstract Background Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a type of coronary reperfusion therapy may lead to recanalization and improved myocardial reperfusion in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Aim of the Work The aim of our study is sought to investigate the prevelance of fQRS complex in ECG of patients admitted with acute anterior STEMI undergoing primary PCI and its short-term prognostic value during hospital stay. Patient and Methods In the current study, 156 consecutive patients with anterior STEMI being treated with primary PCI between July 2021 and March 2022 were enrolled. Patients were included in the study if they presented with symptoms that were identified typically as typical chest pain lasting for more than 20 min; had ST-segment elevation ≥1 mm in two contiguous electrocardiographic and had undergone primary PCI including balloon angioplasty, thrombus aspira tion and/or stent implantation. Results Our results study showed that, in patients with a diagnosis of anterior STEMI, the presence of fQRS at admission ECG is associated with the development of MACE at short-term follow-up and higher mortality. In addition, fQRS was the strongest predictor of MACE in patients with acute MI after adjustment for the risk factors of ischemic heart disease. Conclusion Prevalence of fQRS complex on admission ECG in patients with acute anterior STEMI undergoing primary PCI is common. Presence of fQRS in these patients has independently predicted prognosis regarding LVEF values, Cath lab events, MACE and mortality during hospital stay. Therefore, fQRS can be incorporated in risk stratification tools and help in management of patients with acute anterior STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Obesity, organ failure, and transplantation: a review of the role of metabolic and bariatric surgery in transplant candidates and recipients

Obesity is a risk factor for kidney, liver, heart, and pulmonary diseases, as well as failure. Solid organ transplantation remains the definitive treatment for the end-stage presentation of these diseases. Among many criteria for organ transplant, efficient management of obesity is required for patients to acquire transplant eligibility. End-stage organ failure and obesity are 2 complex pathologies that are often entwined. Metabolic and bariatric surgery before, during, or after organ transplant has been studied to determine the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on transplant outcomes. In this review, a multidisciplinary group of surgeons from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the American Society for Transplant Surgery presents the current published literature on metabolic and bariatric surgery as a therapeutic option for patients with obesity awaiting solid organ transplantation. This manuscript details the most recent recommendations, pharmacologic considerations, and psychological considerations for this specific cohort of patients. Since level one evidence is not available on many of the topics covered by this review, expert opinion was implemented in several instances. Additional high-quality research in this area will allow for better recommendations and, therefore, treatment strategies for these complex patients.

Comparison of Cycling and Cross Trainer on Rate Pressure Product in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The Rate pressure product is the valuable marker of cardiac function. It is the product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure. It plays a pivotal role in understanding the relationship between exercise and the cardiovascular system, particularly in hypertensive individuals. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of cycling and cross trainer on rate pressure product in hypertensive patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study includes 30 hypertensive patients with age group of 25-65 years and those who have any recent surgery or any neurological or psychological issues are excluded. Patients vitals were monitored pre exercise. Every patient does exercise on both cross trainer and cycling for 15 min each on alternate day to avoid superimpose effect of each other. Rate pressure product was calculated and compared between cross trainer and cycling exercise. Result: Result has been obtained from SPSS 20. Mean age of patients is 45.9+10.2. Comparison between cycling and cross trainer found using independent t-test (t=-2.534). There was significant difference of RPP between patients performing cycling and cross trainer. RPP of cross trainer (mean=19.09) is more than RPP of cycling (mean=18.14) having significant difference p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is greater rate pressure product during cross trainer exercise than in cycling. This shows that more myocardial oxygen consumption is greater in cross trainer as it involves both upper and lower extremity. So, cross trainer and cycling can be used effectively for exercise prescription and preventing cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, but the cycling was more effective as the mean difference was low compared to cross trainer. Keywords: Static cycling, rate pressure product, cross trainer, hypertension

Association Between Serine Concentration and Coronary Heart Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Early identification of new residual risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) is warranted. In this study, we aim to investigate the association between the serine concentration, an important amino acid in one-carbon metabolism, and CHD in Chinese hospitalized patients. This case-control study included 428 case-control pairs comprising patients with CHD with a maximum coronary artery stenosis degree of >70% and controls with stenosis of <30%. The individuals were matched by age, sex, and date of coronary angiography at Peking University First Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019. Conditional logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between the serine concentration and CHD. Patients with CHD were aged 63.48 ± 10.38 years, and 43.73% were male. Compared with controls, patients with CHD had a slightly lower serine concentration (13.35 ± 4.20 vs 13.77 ± 4.08 μg/mL), but the difference was not significant. In the multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, for every 1 μg/mL increase in serine concentration, the odds of CHD decreased by 6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90-0.99; P = 0.010). Patients with a serine concentration of ≥13.41 μg/mL had a lower CHD risk than those with a serine concentration of <13.41 μg/mL (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.84; P = 0.004). Subgroup analyses showed that sex interacted with the relationship between serine concentration and CHD (P interaction = 0.039), which was more significant in males (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.98; P = 0.013) than in females. This study observed an inverse association between the serine concentration and CHD prevalence in Chinese hospitalized patients, which revealed that serine might play a protective role in CHD.

CORRELATION OF DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE WITH HIGH SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN MIDDLE AGED CORONARY HEART DISEASE PATIENTS

Background and objectives: C-reactive protein is a plasma protein to determine the levels of inflammation inside our body. There are low levels of CRP in our blood but moderate to severe elevated levels can be seen in bacterial infection and any other autoimmune diseases. Hypertension is considered to be the significant risk factor in coronary heart disease. Our objective of study is to determine the correlation of hs-CRP with diastolic blood pressure in middle aged coronary heart disease individuals. Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among two groups i.e coronary heart disease and control (n=150). Their CRP levels as well as two readings of diastolic blood pressure are taken. Data and results collected, compiled and analyzed with SPSS version 23. Results: Hypertension is an important risk factor for coronary events. Results of our study has shown strong correlation between CRP and diastolic blood pressure having mean values about 146.3±2.14 (P&lt; 0.001) in coronary heart disease individuals and 92.14±17.14 in control group ( P value 0.008). Conclusion: It was observed that hs-crp has strong association with diastolic blood pressure in middle aged coronary heart disease individuals.

Molecular Docking Approach to Identify Flavonoids as Potential Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

An erection that is not strong enough for sexual activity might be caused by erectile dysfunction. Periodically experiencing difficulties achieving an erection is not always a reason for alarm. On the other hand, if erectile dysfunction persists, it may lead to stress, undermine confidence, and exacerbate interpersonal issues. In addition to being a risk factor for heart disease, difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection may also indicate an underlying medical issue that needs to be treated. Many studies have also steadily examined flavonoids' capacity to inhibit the phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme in several recent studies. This is an enzyme expressed in erectile tissue that is the most important substance that degrades cGMP in the body's smooth muscle cells. This study identified two prominent flavonoids that had inhibitory effects on the phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme: Amenoflavone and Umbralisib. Our research suggests new molecular pathways by which these substances might influence biological processes. One compound that shows promise for treating erectile dysfunction and is safe for healthy cells is Amentoflavone.

Examining the Influence of Heart Disease Risk Factor Knowledge and Social Support in African American Women

Examining the Influence of Heart Disease Risk Factor Knowledge and Social Support in African American Women

Відбір пробіотичних мікроорганізмів та їх композицій як основи для лінійки функціональних продуктів харчування з гіпохолестеринемічними властивостями

In modern clinical practice, the main methods for correcting elevated serum cholesterol levels are drugs that block the activity of the enzyme hydroxymethylglutaracyl-CoA-reductase (HMG-CoA-reductase) – statins or drugs that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol and sterols in the intestines ezetimibe. All hypocholesterolemic drugs are rather expensive and have side effects, the main of which is hepatotoxicity. During mono- and combined therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and ezetimibe, cases of increased activity of alanine and asparagine transaminases (biochemical indicator of cytolytic syndrome), disorders of the digestive and respiratory systems, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the sense organs along with weight gain, etc. have been found. Scientific literature has increasingly reported on the ability of lactic acid bacteria to lower serum cholesterol. The ability of certain strains of representatives of the normal microbiota to assimilate and precipitate deconjugated bile acids, as well as to destroy, bind, and assimilate cholesterol, is the basis of their hypocholesterolemic activity (the ability to reduce the level of serum cholesterol). A high level of cholesterol, both in the total blood serum and in low-density lipoproteins, is one of the main risk factors for coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, hypertension, tumors of the digestive tract, etc. The aim of the study was to establish the hypocholesterolemic activity in vitro and in vivo of previously selected highly effective probiotic strains of lactic- and bifidobacteria for the further creation on their basis of a line of effective functional food with hypocholesterolemic activity for the prevention and concomitant treatment of pathological conditions associated with high cholesterol levels. Methods. Bacterial hypocholesterolemic activity in vitro was determined according to Rudel L.L. and in vivo – on the mice model that was designed by us. Two schemes of the administration of probiotic strains – the prophylactic and therapeutic ones–were developed. Results showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus IMV B-7279 and Bifidobacterium animalis IMV B-7286 strains, as well as the Bifidobacterium animalis IMV B-7286: Bifidobacterium animalis IMV B-7285 (1:1) composition were the most effective probiotics used for treatment of mice with hypercholesterolemia. The cholesterol-lowering activity of all studied probiotic strains and their compositions ranged between 40–78 %. At the same time, it should be noted that the hypocholesterolemic activity of the other studied strains was not lower, and in some cases even higher than that of most of the drugs currently used for cholesterinosis. Conclusions. The obtained results allow us to assert that it is necessary to develop a series of functional foods and probiotics based on the studied strains and their compositions in an encapsulated form, for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with the negative manifestations of high cholesterol levels.

Cigarette Smoking and its Association with Dyslipidemia among Middle-aged Population in Rajshahi District

Background &amp; objective: Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for ischemic heart disease. Many factors contribute to the development of dyslipidemia. Smoking is one of them. Smoking and dyslipidemia are claimed to interact with each other and synergistically increase the risk of heart disease. The present study is, therefore, intended to find the association between smoking and dyslipidemia in the context of the Bangladeshi population. Methods:The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Rajshahi Medical College (RMC), Rajshahi in collaboration with the Institute of Biological Science, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi over a period of five years between 2017 and 2022. A total of 230 adult (ranging from 30 to 60 years) male subjects who attended at Biochemistry Lab of RMC to have their blood tested for lipid profile were consecutively included in the study. However, individuals with the habit of chewing tobacco, ex-smokers, or those having any diseases influencing lipid profile, taking drugs (like β-blockers, thiazide, statins, fibric acid derivatives, and nicotinic acid) that may influence lipid profile, or obese persons under dietary restrictions were excluded from the study. The subjects who exhibited either serum TC: HDL ratio &gt; 4.5 or serum Tg: HDL ratio &gt; 3.5 or both conditions were considered as cases and the subjects who did not have either of the conditions were considered as controls in the present study. Result: In the present study, over one-third (34.8%) of subjects had a smoking habit with the mean duration of smoking being 13.6 ± 5.0 years. Dyslipidaemia (as defined by serum TC: HDL &gt; 4.5) was found in 33% of subjects, while the same condition, defined by serum Tg: HDL &gt; 3.5, was found in 42.6% of the subjects. While either of the two conditions was present in 13% of subjects, both conditions were concurrently observed in 31.3% of subjects. Of the total 230 subjects, 102(44.3%) were dyslipidaemic. Smoking habit was observed to be significantly higher in the case group (54.9%) than that in the control group (18.8%). The risk of having dyslipidaemia in smokers was &gt; 5-fold (95% CI = 2.9 – 9.5) higher than that in non-smokers (p &lt; 0.001). However, as the duration of smoking was correlated with different lipid profiles, it was not found to be significantly correlated with any of the lipid profiles. Conclusion: The study concluded that smokers are more likely to have dyslipidaemia than non-smokers. The risk of having dyslipidaemia in smokers is much higher than that in non-smokers. While serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and serum triglycerides are increased, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is reduced. Ibrahim Card Med J 2023; 13 (1&amp;2): 26-31