Cor Vasa 2003, 44(6):333-336

Non-lipid cardiovascular risk factors in the Romany minority of Western Slovakia

Marica Krajčovičová-Kudláčková^1,*, Pavel Blažíček², Emil Ginter¹, Viera Spustová¹

¹ Ústav preventívnej a klinickej medicíny

² Nemocnica Ministerstva obrany, Bratislava, Slovenská republika

Non-lipid cardiovascular risk parameters (C-reactive protein, homocysteine, insulin) were assessed in a Romany minority group (n = 149) and compared to those in the majority population (n = 197). Mean C-reactive protein was non-significantly increased in the Romany group, with risk-related levels seen in 19% of Romany vs. 11% of majority subjects. Mean total plasma homocysteine levels were the same in both groups. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 12% of Romany subjects and 14% of majority individuals despite a higher incidence of deficient folic acid levels in the Romany (20% vs. 13%). Risk-related insulin levels were observed in 21% of the Romany population vs. 5% of majority subjects, and mean insulin levels were significantly increased in the Romany group. The results of a higher incidence of risk-related levels of C-reactive protein and insulin with association to hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, and hypertension indicate a higher cardiovascular risk in the Romany population.

Keywords: C-reactive protein; Homocysteine; Insulin; Romany population; Majority population

Published: June 1, 2003  Show citation