[Relation between cardiorespiratory indicators, blood lipids, and the amount and distribution of adipose tissue in middle-aged men].

BACKGROUND. In middle-aged and elderly men the cardiovascular mortality in this country is still relatively high. The objective of the presented work was therefore the validation of simple parameters of fat deposition as a risk factor in order to select subjects at risk where preventive measures are called for. METHODS AND RESULTS. In 68 men aged 43.8 +/- 7.4 years from a sample of managers of a Prague bank the case-history we evaluated, as well as a basic physical examination, a loading test on a bicycle ergometer (performance evaluated in W/kg body weight or lean body mass) and ECG; serum lipids were examined (total and HDL-cholesterol, triacyglycerols), the body mass index (BMI), the ratio of depot fat (by evaluation of 10 skinfolds measured by means of a caliper) and the distribution of body fat (indices relating either only the subscapular and tricipital skinfold or all skinfolds on the trunk to all skinfolds on the extremities, and the waist/hip ratio). The basic physical examination did not reveal any serious acute diseases. Mean BMI values (26.7 +/- 3.4 kg/m2) and body fat ratio (20.8 +/- 4.2%) were higher than standard values. 24.1% of the men were obese, the W/H ratio was 0.9 +/- 0.1 but this index, similarly as the other mentioned indices, were elevated, indicating risk. The mean values of the heart rate and blood pressure at rest and after a load were normal, however 11.5% of the men had an elevated diastolic pressure after a load and a similar percentage of men manifested during a load certain signs of myocardial ischaemia. The prevalence of hypertension according to WHO criteria was 9.6%. On average, however, the physical performance (W/kg of the total body weight or lean body mass) was 108% of the Czech standard assessed previously within the framework of the International Biological Programme. The total cholesterol was 5.35 +/- 1.04, HDL 1.11 +/- 0.19, total triacylglycerols 1.81 +/- 0.77 mmol/l. The ratio of total and HDL cholesterol was 4.9 +/- 1.1, the blood sugar level 5.04 +/- 0.66 mmol/l. More than 20% of the men had risk levels of serum lipids. A significant correlation was found in particular between blood lipids and the W/H ratio and the subscapular/triceps index.