Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Serum Lipids among Priests in Bangkok
Pairat Saengdith, MD*
Affiliation : *Department of Medicine, Priest Hospital
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.
Keywords : Smoking, Lipid, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Priests, Bangkok
