EN
The aim of this study has been to determine the effects of hypertension on plasma lipid profile and the serum level of antioxidant vitamins in tobacco smokers. The study population comprised 62 smokers of whom 35 had hypertension (study group) and 27 were normotensive (control group). The levels of plasma lipids, albumins, uric acid, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and vitamins A, E, C and ß-carotene were assayed. Cumulated index of antioxidant vitamins (CIAVIT) was also calculated. Total cholesterol (TC) (pO.OOl), LDL cholesterol (pO.OOl), uric acid (p<0.05), TBARS (p<0.05) and triglycerides levels were higher in hypertensive smokers compared to the control group. Hypertensive smokers also had lower HDL cholesterol and vitamin E levels (pO.Ol), as well as the levels of vitamins A, C and ß-carotene and the CIAVIT value. The study group exhibited negative correlation between TBARS and vitamins E levels (r=-0.46) and C (r=-0.33), and between TBARS and CIAVIT values (r=-0.34). The study results indicate that tobacco smoking exacerbates pre-existing lipid profile and antioxidant status abnormalities in hypertensive subjects.