title: The correlation between lipid profile and stress levels in central iran: isfahan healthy heart program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies suggest that mental status may influence serum lipid levels. This study was conducted on adult population living in rural and urban areas in Central Iran to assess the correlation between stress level and lipid profile disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was extracted from final evaluation of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) in 2008. Multistage and random cluster methods were used for sampling. The study population consisted of 9752 adults aged ≥19 years living in three districts namely Isfahan, Arak and Najaf Abad. Demographic data, age and sex were recorded. Blood samples were taken to determine the lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides. Stress levels were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The odds ratios of high stress in individuals with high levels of TC, LDL-C and low levels of HDL-C compared to normal individuals after adjustment for age and sex were as follows respectively: 1.05 (1.02,1.15), 1.06 (1.02,1.18), 1.06 (1.01,1.17).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intervention activities towards reduction of stress levels at the community level may be useful as part of the strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention.
authors.affiliation: Research assistant, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shahnam
authors.forename: Hamidreza
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Roohafza
authors.forename: Masoumeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sadeghi
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bahonar
authors.forename: Nizal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sarrafzadegan