Lipid profile and blood pressure levels of low-income community residents of Amazonas

Objective: To analyze the lipid profile and blood pressure levels of low-income community residents from the boundaries of Manaus. Methods: A cross-sectional study, held in the period of January to March, 2006. The studied population consisted of residents from a low income community located at Parque das Nações, South-Center zone of Manaus - Amazonas. The sample consisted of individuals aged 18 years or above who did not take anti-hypertensive medication. The visited residences were randomly sorted. Two hundred and twenty four blood samples were collected from individuals with 12 hours of fasting and blood pressure checked-out. An automated method with commercial kits was used for cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL dosages. The formula of Friedewald was applied for determining the levels of VLDL and LDL. Results: The increase in cholesterol levels was evident in 17.6% males and 21.8% females. Regarding triglycerides, an increase in serum levels was observed in 33.8% of men and 26.9% of women. As for HDL-cholesterol, inadequate levels were verified in 67.9% males and 22.1% females. Already LDL-cholesterol dosages showed values outside desired concentrations in 38.5% males and 35.3% females. Concerning blood pressure, high levels of isolated diastolic hypertension were found among females. Conclusion: Based on observed results, we evidenced the presence of risk factorsrelated to cardiovascular disease in this low-income community.