[Seasonal variations of lipids and arterial pressure].

BACKGROUND

The presence of a seasonal variation in serum lipids and blood pressure is often described in the literature.

METHODS

With the aim of analyzing this seasonal influence blood pressure and lipid (total cholesterol and cholesterol corresponding to different lipoprotein, triglycerides and AI and B apolipoprotein families) values were studied over 12 months in 36 normotense healthy males (mean age 36 +/- 6 years), a third of whom presented diverse base lipid alterations. A variance analysis of the relative intraindividual values (to study monthly differences) was carried out and a Student's t test was performed for the absolute values and grouped into two periods (summer and winter) and according to two categories (normal and hyperlipemic).

RESULTS

No significant modification was observed in any of the parameters studied with the exception of the intrapersonal variation coefficient of the triglycerides which was significantly higher in the hyperlipemic individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

In the population studied no seasonal modification was observed in blood pressure or different lipid concentrations analyzed. The slight variation of temperature observed and the elevated sunstroke in Spain in addition to the youth of the population studied may explain the lack of seasonal variation.