Lipid profile and thyroid function tests assessment in residents of a geriatric center in Hormozgan, Iran

Introduction: Aging may lead to increase or decrease in the level of total cholesterol, LDL and HDL. Furthermore, prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions increase with age in iodine sufficient area. The present study is designed to evaluate lipid profile and thyroid function tests in a group of elderly population in Hormozgan province. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 (19 females and 41 males) elderly residents of Hormozgan elderly residence center were evaluated. After physical examination, the level of lipid profile and thyroid function tests were measured in fasting state. Kruskal-wallis and Mann-Witnney U test and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age and BMI were 66±11.6 years and 21.4±5.8 kg/m2. The BMI of men was greater than that of women p<0/05. Prevalence of obesity (BMI≥ 30kg/m) and low body weight (BMI<20kg/m2) were 10% and 25%, respectively. Prevalence of Hypercholesterolemia (≥240mg/dl). Hypertriglyceridemia (≥200mg/dl) and high risk LDL (≥160mg/dl) were 5%, 5% and 3.3%, respectively. Although aging led to decrease in level of TG, Cholesterol level and LDL in both sexes, BMI, HDL, cholesterol/ HDL and LDL/HDL did not show any change. There was no difference in lipid profile value between persons suffering from thyroid dysfunction and healthy population. Conclusion: Prevalence of Hypercholesterolemia, high risk LDL and hypertriglycemidia in this study was relatively low and it seems that aging, independent of BMI has a decreasing effect on level of some plasma lipoproteins. In contrast to other studies, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in this study (in an iodine sufficient area) was relatively low