A clinical study on lipid profile in chronic alcoholics

Abstract

Background: In both developed and developing countries, alcoholism is a significant concern to public health. The intake of alcohol has risen in quantity and frequency over the past 30-40 years. The use of alcohol predisposes subjects to lipid profile changes that are related to coronary danger. Aims:To study lipid profile in chronic alcoholics by measuring serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, and very low density lipoproteins.Materials and methods: 50 alcoholic males were compared with 30 non alcoholic males. Alcohol drinking history was assessed by interview and questionnaire and lipid profile was done measuring total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL &  LDL.Results: There are 27 cases(90%) are alcoholics of greater than 10 years duration and 3 cases (10%) are of less than 10 years duration.There are 22 cases(73%) are alcoholics of moderate drinker  and 8 cases (27%) are of heavy drinkers. The lipid profile was measured between non drinkers and  drinkers with increased levels of TC, TGL, HDL & VLDL were observed in heavy drinkers with significant p-values . Conclusion:This studies show that the level of lipid parameters is increased by alcohol consumption. Moderate consumption of alcohol raises HDL cholesterol, while heavy consumption of alcohol raises TC, TGL, LDL & VLDL and reduces HDL.