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BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Dyslipidemia | Research article

The association of religious affiliation with cholesterol levels among South Asians: the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study

Authors: Grishma Hirode, Eric Vittinghoff, Nazleen H. Bharmal, Namratha R. Kandula, Alka M. Kanaya

Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

South Asians have disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia, a contributing factor, may be influenced by lifestyle, which can vary by religious beliefs. Little is known about South Asian religions and associations with dyslipidemia.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses of the MASALA study (n = 889). We examined the associations between religious affiliation and cholesterol levels using multivariate linear regression models. We determined whether smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and dietary pattern mediated these associations.

Results

Mean LDL was 112 ± 32 mg/dL, median HDL was 48 mg/dL (IQR:40–57), and median triglycerides was 118 mg/dL (IQR:88–157). Muslims had higher LDL and triglycerides, and lower HDL, while participants with no religious affiliation had lower LDL and higher HDL. The difference in HDL between Muslims and those with no religious affiliation was partly explained by alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Religion-specific tailoring of interventions designed to promote healthy lifestyle to reduce cholesterol among South Asians may be useful.
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Metadata
Title
The association of religious affiliation with cholesterol levels among South Asians: the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study
Authors
Grishma Hirode
Eric Vittinghoff
Nazleen H. Bharmal
Namratha R. Kandula
Alka M. Kanaya
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2261
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-019-1045-z

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