Lipid profile and dietary habits in an elderly rural population in the southern Spain: the Sierra de Huelva study

Abstract

We have assessed serum lipids, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in a healthy, free living population over 70 years old residing for more than 20 years in a rural area located in the southern Spain, the Sierra de Huelva. 401 elderly, 229 women (F) and 179 men (M) mean age 79.36 ± 6.9 were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Dietary habits were assessed by means of a Modification of the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDDS), which comprised 11 components. A total score ranging from 0-44 was calculated. Mean concentration for lipids were: Total cholesterol (TC) 193.8 ± 23.1, M 195.2 ± 25.7 and F 192.7 ± 20.8 (p = 0.29); HDLc 60.3 ± 7.6 mg/dl, M 60.0 ± 8.0 and F 60.5 ± 7.2 (p = 0.49); TC/HDLc 3.3 ± 1.1 mg/dl, M 3.4 ± 1.2 and F 3.3 ± 1.1 mg/dl (p < 0.35); LDLc 127.3  30.1 mg/dl, M 129.0 ± 32.9 F 126.0 ± 27.8 mg/dl (p = 0.33); TG 137.7 ± 18.3, M 138.8 ± 19.4 and F 136 ± 17.4 (p = 0.30). Global prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (TC ≥200 mg/dl) was 8.7%, F 7.9% and M 9.9%; 10.7% had LDLc≥160 mg/dl. In this study, age was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with TC, LDLc, TG and SBP and positively with HDLc. Pig meat consumption was negatively correlated with CT and LDLc, and positively with HDLc. According to MMDS data, 60.6 ± 6.9% of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was obtained. The MMDS was positively associated with age and negatively with TG (p < 0.05). Further studies are needed to establish the influence of local Iberian pig meat products consumption and life style on the lower incidence of risk factors for CVD and the higher life expectancy of the studied population.

Keywords

• cardiovascular disease
• diet score
• elderly
• serum lipids
• total cholesterol