IMPACT OF SMOKING ON ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE (ESR) AND LIPID PROFILE IN ADULTS

Objective: The aim of the study was to understand the changes in ESR and serum lipid profile in adult smokers and non-smokers and the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Study design: This is a comparative and non-interventional study. Study period: In the Medicine Unit-II of Nishat Hospital Multan for one-year duration from May 2019 to May 2020. Subjects and Methods: A total of 100 adult men (18-65 years) were selected, 50 of whom were smokers and 50 were non-smokers. ESR was performed with the modified Westergren method, and the lipid profile was performed with a chemical analyzer (Microlab 300 MERCK). Results: A significant increase in ESR, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and mean serum triglyceride (TG) levels was observed in smokers compared to non-smokers. Whereas, serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) cholesterol were significantly lower in smokers compared to nonsmokers. Conclusion: Smoking has an adverse effect on the lipid profile and ESR, thereby increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Key words: total serum cholesterol, ESR, smoking