Effect of smoking on erthrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and lipid profile in adults

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to find out changes in ESR and serum lipid profile in adult smokers and non-smokers and risk of development of atherosclerosis. It is a comparative and non-interventional study. 1st October to 31st October, 2005 Study was carried out in Department of Pathology, Punjab Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. A total of 100 males of adult age [18-65 years] were selected, out of which 50 were smokers and 50 were non-smokers. ESR was done by modified Westergren method and lipid profile was done by chemistry analyzer [Microlab 300 MERCK]. A significant increase in ESR, serum total cholesterol [TC], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c] and mean serum triglyceride [TG] levels were observed in smokers as compared with nonsmokers. While levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c] were significantly lower in smokers as compared with non-smokers. Smoking produces adverse effect on lipid profile and ESR thus enhancing the risk of atherosclerosis