Country wide statistical assessment of smoking induced atherosclerotic and metabolic risk factors in Saudi population

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are main cause of death in industrialized countries. Tobacco smoking is the most preventable CVD risk factor worldwide. The impact of smoking on atherosclerotic and metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among Saudi population was studied in country wide fashion. Sample population was representative, cross sectional national, aged 3064 years which is in accordance with the national population distribution with respect to age, gender, regional and residency, urban vs. rural, population distribution. Blood samples were drawn and assayed for glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. General biochemical markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine kinase (CK), aspartate 
transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed. The current study showed higher prevalence of atherosclerotic and biochemical risk factors in smokers compared to non-smokers Saudi subjects. Moreover, the LDH indicated higher probability for direct cardiovascular affection due to smoking habits in Saudi population. These elevated risk factors in Saudi population were found to correlate with the degree of smoking. In conclusion, We provided robust evidence based on country wide clinical analysis for the negative influence of smoking on CVD risk factor amongst Saudi population.