The relation between stress levels and lipid profile disorders: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

Previous studies suggest that mental stress may influence serum lipid levels. This study was conducted on adult population living in rural and urban areas in central Iran to assess the correlation between stress levels and lipid profile disorders.

Data was extracted from final evaluation of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) in 2008. Multistage cluster random sampling was used. The study population consisted of 9752 adults aged ≥ 19 years living in 3 cities of Isfahan, Arak and Najaf Abad. Demographic data, age, and sex were recorded. Blood samples were taken to determine lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride.Stress levels were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Logistic regression analysis and chi-square test were used for statistical analyses.

After adjustment for age and sex, the odds ratios of high stress in individuals with high levels of TC and LDL-C and low levels of HDL-C were respectively 1.11 (1.08, 1.27), 1.13 (1.04, 1.24), and 1.12 (1.08, 1.28) compared to normal individuals.

According to the relationship between lipid profile disorders and stress levels, special attention needs to be paid to psychological and environmental issues to treat lipid profile disorders.