Coronary risk factors in young and healthy Turkish males: a cross-sectional analysis

Objectives: We determined coronary risk factors in a homogeneous population of young, healthy Turkish men having regular exercise and the same diet, and compared our results with those reported in the cohort study of TEKHARF. Study design: A total of 1,173 young men (mean age 21.4 +/- 1.5 years) attending a military school were examined. All the subjects were living under similar conditions including diet (4000-4500 kcal/day) and exercise (at least 1 hour daily). Venous blood samples were collected after a 12-hour fasting. Arterial blood pressures, waist and hip circumferences were measured. Current smokers were divided into three groups (<10, 11 to 20, and >20 cigarettes daily). The results were evaluated according to the seven geographical regions of Turkey, from which the participants were collected. Results: The mean values obtained were as follows: total cholesterol 149 +/- 26 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol 85 +/- 23 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol 48 +/- 9 mg/dl, triglyceride 80 +/- 31 mg/dl, fasting blood glucose 86 +/- 8 mg/dl, systolic arterial pressure 107 +/- 11 mmHg, diastolic arterial pressure 68 +/- 9, body mass index 22.2 +/- 1.6 kg/m(2), and waist circumference 77 +/- 5 cm. Smokers accounted for 39.8% (n=467). Fasting blood glucose was the only significant parameter between the seven geographical regions. None of the subjects was hypertensive. Metabolic syndrome was detected in one case. Eight individuals (0.7%) had an LDL level exceeding 160 mg/dl. HDL cholesterol differed significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. Linear regression analysis showed that smoking, serum triglyceride, and total cholesterol were significant predictors for HDL cholesterol. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Turkish men who are engaged in regular exercises and do not have obesity or hypertension starts adulthood with a very favorable coronary risk profile.