SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF CIGARETTE SMOKERS IN ABA, ABIA STATE

Cigarette smoking is strongly associated with altering of the normal stature of lipid profile.This study is therefore aimed at evaluating the serum lipid profile of cigarette smokers in Aba,Abia State. Hundred samples comprising of 50 smokers (Test) and 50 non- smokers ( control) aged 20-50 years were randomly selected for this study.The subjects selected were the ones that met the inclusion criteria and willingly granted their informed consent. The cigarette smokers were grouped based on Age, the number of cigarette smoked per day, smoking duration. They were measured for their body mass index (weight/ heights square) and blood pressure. The serum lipid profiles were measured using semi-automated Analyzer.The data obtained were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 25) and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance levels for the analysis were set at P-VALUE equal to or less than 0.05(P < 0.05) which was considered as being statistically significant. Results were expressed as mean ± SD (standard deviation) which were calculated.The study has shown that TC,TG and LDL were significantly higher in cigarette smokers while the HDL was lower or decreased as compared to control. Thus, this suggests that cigarette smokers are at high risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, zero smoking should be encouraged to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and serum lipid profile tests should be carried out as part of the routine laboratory tests for patients of these ages especially males to enable early detection and identification of smokers at risk and hence reduce morbidity and mortality rates.