Evaluation of lipid profile and high sensitive C reactive protein levels among cigarette smokers in East Gojjam, Ethiopia

Introduction

Cigarette smoking is a well-recognized independent risk factor for numerous cardiovascular disorders and contributes to the increasing morbidity and mortality associated with chronic heart diseases (CHD). This study aimed to evaluate how cigarette smoking affects lipid metabolism and inflammatory processes, along with other related mechanisms, in order to better understand the potential cardiovascular risks faced by smokers.

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the serum lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels between cigarette smokers and non-smokers.

Methods

A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to May 2024 in East Gojjam, Ethiopia. The study included 150 cigarette smokers and 150 non-smokers. Independent t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare the mean lipid profiles and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels between smokers and non-smokers. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

The mean serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in cigarette smokers were 178.46 ± 76.34 mg/dL, 112.36 ± 73.58 mg/dL, 138.80 ± 61.88 mg/dL, 38.33 ± 7.99 mg/dL, and 6.26 ± 5.53 mg/L, respectively. These values were significantly different from those of non-smokers (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion

Serum mean levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were significantly higher in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers. In contrast, the mean serum level of high-density lipoprotein was significantly lower in smokers. These changes—elevated TC, LDL-C, TG, and hsCRP, along with decreased HDL-C—may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases among cigarette smokers.