Lipid profile analysis in school children.

BACKGROUND According to the World Health Organization, coronary atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. The INTERHEART study demonstrated that dyslipidemia is one of the most important independent risk factors for AMI. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the lipid profile and blood pressure of school children attending private (paid) and public/philanthropic (free) schools. METHODS Blood samples from 343 children were tested and correlated with their lifestyle. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Student's t-test for independent samples to compare the means, and the chi-square test (c2) to compare proportions. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS Total cholesterol and its HDL and LDL fractions, as well as the Castelli Index I, were higher among private school students, with statistical significance for both genders, except for HDL in boys. Blood pressure was higher in the same group, but without reaching statistical significance. Twenty-three percent of private school students had total cholesterol > 190 mg/d, as compared to 4% of those attending public/philanthropic institutions. When the dietary and physical activity surveys were compared and correlated with the lipid profile, a clear association was found between daily physical activity and nutritional guidance among those of lower socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the positive correlation of total cholesterol and its LDL fraction with eating habits and more intense and regular physical activity, benefiting the most needy children, compared to those enrolled in private schools.