Assessment of the Levels of Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Hyperglycemic Young Nigerian Adults

Background: The burden of cardiovascular diseases in developing countries such as Nigeria is worsened by the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. This study is aimed at assessing the levels of cardiovascular risk markers in young Nigerian adults who are hyperglycemic at baseline. Material and Methods: A total of 200 participants (male and female), aged 15-35 years initially took part in the study while the data of 61 participants (44.3% male and 55.7% female) who were hyperglycemic at baseline was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The levels of cardiovascular risk markers were analyzed in these hyperglycemic young adults. Results: The females in the study population had a higher blood glucose level (102.91 ± 9.68) when compared to males (98.81 ± 8.13). The study reported the prevalence rates for cardiovascular risk markers: hypertension [31.15% (male), 14.70% (female)]; overweight and obesity [33.33% (males), 52.94% (females)]; central obesity [14.81% (males), 64.70% (females)]; high waist-to-hip ratio [33.33% (males), 91.18% (females)]; hypercholesterolemia and low LDL-C [37.04% and 33.33% respectively (males), 67.65% and 61.76% respectively (females)]; hypertriglyceridemia [25.92% (males), 17.60% (females)]; high atherogenic index of plasma [25.92% (males), 14.70% (females)]; elevated C-reactive protein [7.41% (males), 8.82% (females)]. The cardiovascular risk markers were more prevalent in females relative to the males. Conclusions: The high prevalence of cardiovascular risk markers suggests that most apparently healthy Nigerians, including young adults may be at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.