ABSTRACT
Background: Indians have one of the highest rates of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the world and are prone to CAD at a much younger age. The serum cholesterol level is a strong predictor of clinically evident cardiovascular diseases occurring 25 or more years later. The serum cholesterol level depends on many factors such as hereditary factors age, sex, dietary habits, environmental factors, and physical activity. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine any association of the serum cholesterol level of the subjects with their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Materials and Methods: The present study comprised a total of 50 apparently healthy subjects (26 males and 24 females) aged 20–40 years. Subjects having major diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, endocrine diseases, CAD, or those taking any lipid-altering medication were excluded from the study. Standard methods of measurements for serum cholesterol, BMI, and WC were used. Results: The mean cholesterol level in males and females was 144.57 ± 47.52 mg/dl and 144.5 ± 45.65 mg/dl, respectively. Out of 50 cases, 6% of cases had hypercholesterolemia. According to BMI, 22% of cases were overweight and 20% were obese. According to WC cutoffs, 16% of males and 33% of females were obese. Conclusion: Elevated cholesterol concentration correlates positively with premature CAD. Early detection in these patients allows for earlier introduction of cholesterol-lowering therapy. Hypercholesterolemia and obesity have been proved to be individual risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Interventions at this age may be particularly effective to decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease later in life. Young adults should adopt a healthy lifestyle so as to avoid the risk of obesity and hypercholesterolemia in future life.
ABSTRACT
Background: Meckel’s diverticulum (MD), a congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract due to failed vitelline duct obliteration, affects 2% of population. It is a true diverticulum located along the antimesenteric border of distal ileum within 100 cm of the ileocecal valve. It contains heterotropic mucosa, 60% of which is gastric mucosa followed by pancreatic acini, colonic mucosa, etc. The key surgical principle is to completely remove symptomatic ectopic tissue. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate clinical features and common complications of MD in different ages and genders that serve as a reminder to clinicians evaluating potential cases and help them giving proper management. Materials and Methods: A combined prospective and retrospective study of 30 patients operated for MD found incidentally on operative table or planned electively was done. Results: In our study, there was a clear male predominance with 21 cases (70%). It was more common in young and middle age (11–40 years) with 26 cases (86%). Common symptomatic presentations were obstruction (30%), perforation (13%), and diverticulitis (10%). The cases were surgically managed according to the size of base and length of the diverticulum. Post-operative complications were commonly seen in older age and symptomatic patients. Conclusion: MD is having low incidence, overlapping signs and symptoms of other conditions and higher post-operative complications. Hence, it is quite important to include it in differential diagnosis, diagnose it early and apply prompt surgical management.