Study on dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in Elderly- A clinical approach to predict cardiovascular disease risk

Aging is characterized by systemic deterioration of biomolecules and increased incidence of oxidative stress. In addition, occurrence of dyslipidemia in elderly significantly contributes the development of cardiovascular disease. It is conceivable that association of dyslipidemia with oxidative stress enhances the future the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older population. The aim is to estimate the plasma lipid profile and marker of oxidative stress in elderly and to determine their role in predicting CVD risk. The study population consists of 90 subjects. Out of 90 subjects, 60 healthy individuals were categorized into two groups: Group I (40-55 years) and Group II (≥ 56 years) and statistically compared it with that of 30 younger controls (20-30 years) by using student’s t-test. Plasma lipid profile levels were measured along with erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Data were statistically analyzed using standard methods. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol HDL-cholesterol and MDA levels were significantly high (p<0.05) in group III subjects as compared to healthy controls. However, these levels were altered insignificantly (p<0.1) in group II subjects. Similarly, plasma CRP levels were found to be significantly high (P<0.001) in Group III as compared to younger controls. Thus, alteration in lipid profile along with enhanced oxidative stress authenticates the fact that these markers are more efficient than conventional lipid profile parameters in prediction of CVD risk in older population.