Effects of cigarette smoking on serum lipids among priests in Bangkok.

OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of cigarette smoking on the level of serum cholesterol and triglyceride among priests in Bangkok area. MATERIALS AND METHOD Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride were evaluated in the process of health check-up among 401 priests in Bangkok and a questionnaire about cigarette smoking was given. RESULTS From the 401 priests, 76.3% of priests were more than 40 years old. The mean age of priests was 53.68 +/- 15.01 years. The mean cholesterol among non-smokers, ex-smokers, current smokers and all respondents were 230.08 +/- 48.22, 223.58 +/-42.80, 230.08 +/- 48.22, and 226.65 +/- 46.58 respectively. The mean triglyceride among non-smokers, ex-smokers, current smokers and all respondents were 150.05 +/- 78.23, 148.47 +/- 69.80 180.01 +/- 111.99, and 154.87 +/- 83.71, respectively. In comparison among groups, there was no significantly statistical difference in cholesterol level (p = 0.22), but there was significantly statistical difference in triglyceride level (p.= 0.02). The means of triglyceride between non-smokers and current smokers, and between ex-smokers and current smokers were significantly statistical different (p = 0.026, 0.043, respectively). CONCLUSION The results suggest that cigarette smoking increases serum triglyceride level in the priests but does not affect serum total cholesterol level. The priests who usually smoke should be checked for triglyceride for early intervention of coronary heart disease and other hypertriglyceridemia-induced diseases.