Eating patterns and their relationship with blood cholesterol levels in the adult population of Villa María. Cordoba 2020/2021

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute the majority of deaths from Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). One of the main risk factors is hypercholesterolemia. Studies show that high concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) increase the probability of CVD. The objective of this work was to identify eating patterns of the population of Villa María and estimate their association with TC.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with people over 18 years of age. The steps of sending the protocol to the CIES of the FCM -Hospital Nacional de Clínicas , and registration in the Provincial Registry of Health Research were fulfilled. The sample was made up of 267 people, they were interviewed through virtual platforms (prior telephone contact) through a structured questionnaire (Group of Environmental Epidemiology of Cancer and other Chronicles in Córdoba 2017 ) that inquires into two sections: one referring to biosociocultural characteristics, anthropometric data, and another to habitual food consumption, which included a food frequency questionnaire. After an exploratory analysis and using Principal Component Factor Analysis, dietary patterns were identified. Venous blood samples were obtained from a subsample of 147 people to determine TC, stored as serum, by centrifugation at 3,500 x g for 3 minutes. On this material in the Biocon Laboratory it was determined by means of chemiluminescence in automated equipment (Dimension EXL with Sytem,). To estimate the association between dietary patterns and TC, a logistic regression model was used, adjusting for age, sex, and nutritional status.

The results indicated two Patterns: "Appetizer Pattern", made up of baked goods, processed meats and snack products; and "Prudent Pattern", including fruits, non-starchy vegetables and legumes. Groups of people in the tercile with the highest adherence to the appetizer pattern were 3 times more likely to have elevated TC (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.36-6.82). Also, it was observed that people with excess weight (BMI>=25) were 3 times more likely to have elevated TC (OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.10-6.07).

Unhealthy eating habits and excess weight were associated with hypercholesterolemia, constituting risk factors for the development of NCDs.