Serum Lipid Profiles – A predisposing Factor to cardiovascular disease among Pregnant Women in Benin City and Sapele Metropolis

Abstract

During pregnancy, a woman undergoes dramatic physiological hormonal and biochemical changes which alters the maternal metabolism in order to satisfy the aliments of the developing foetus in addition to the energy requirement of the mother. These changes may be evident in the maternal lipid profile. However, there is paucity of information to confirm or otherwise of this assertion. The aim of this study was to document the lipid profile of pregnant women living in Benin City in Edo State and Sapele environs in Delta state, both in South-South zone of Nigeria. Subjects for this study included 150 pregnant women (aged 20 to 46 years with mean age 33±0.0 years) who were in different stages of pregnancy.  Fifty non-pregnant, non-lactating, apparently healthy women were used as controls. Serum samples were analysed for lipid profile using standard methods. Results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in the levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides in all the trimesters. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in VLDL-C in the groups. Moreover, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed when the atherogenic indices (ratio of TC to HDL-C) was compared for the two groups. This implies that increase in lipid profile of pregnant women living in Benin City and Sapele does not predispose them to cardiovascular disease.