Dietary fat, serum cholesterol levels and incidence of atherosclerosis and hypertension in Delhi.

Abstract

Differences in incidence of atherosclerosis and hypertension among different religious and communal groups in India all of which eat different diets with varying levels of fat were assessed. The following groups were studied: 1) industrial workers; 2) a rural population (Najafgarh); and 3) small population groups (of more than 25 persons) all of which have the same occupation religion or social status (this population group is still under investigation and results are not reported here). The first 2 groups were investigated by eliciting a history performing a physical exam and conducting biochemical tests an electrocardiogram and chest screens. 566 rural and 486 industrial persons were surveyed and the incidence of hypertension was 1.2% among industrial workers and 2.6% in the rural group. The incidence of coronary artery disease was nil. Average fat intake and serum cholesterol levels for industrial workers were 68 gm of fat per day 24.5% of calories from fats and from 168-169 mg% total cholesterol (depending on age). In the Najafgarh men 67 gm of fat were taken per day 24.1% of total calories were fat and total cholesterol in mg% ranged from 180.3-192.4. Among women of the Najafgarh fat intake in grams per day was 38.5 percent of calories from fats was 17.3 and total cholesterol in milligram percent was 174 (under 40 years old) and 182.4 (over 40 years). No correlation between serum cholesterol and fat intake was found.