Background: Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerotic events. Differences in lipid levels may exist in different races. Han is the largest group and Zhuang is the largest minority among the 56 nationalities in China. Geographically and linguistically, Zhuang can be classified into 43 ethnic subgroups, among which Hei Yi (means black worship and black dress) Zhuang, living in Napo County bordering northeast Vietnam and with a population of about 50,000, is a special ethnic group, and the most conservative with a unique culture. Little is known about the lipid levels in this population. The aim of this study was to compare the lipid levels, prevalence of hyperlipidemia, and risk factors in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.
Methods: A total of 1068 people of Hei Yi Zhuang nationality were surveyed by a cluster sampling. Blood pressure, height, weight, serum lipid and apolipoprotein (Apo) levels were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The results were compared with those in 933 people of Han nationality who also live in that district.
Results: The levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and Apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang nationality were significantly lower than those in Han nationality (p <0.05-0.001), but the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the ratio of Apo A1 to Apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang nationality were significantly higher than those in Han nationality (p <0.001 and 0.05, respectively). The prevalence rates of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han nationalities were 25.00 vs. 28.72% (p >0.05), 12.45 vs. 14.36% (p >0.05), and 31.37 vs. 35.91% (p <0.05); respectively. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang or Han population was positively correlated with age, BMI, blood pressure, and alcohol consumption (p <0.05-0.001), respectively, but was not associated with gender or cigarette smoking in both nationalities (p >0.05).
Conclusions: The current study reveals that there were significant differences in lipid levels and prevalence of hyperlipidemia between Hei Yi Zhuang and Han ethnic groups, but no significant differences in the detected risk factors for hyperlipidemia between the two ethnic groups, which might result from the comprehensive role of different dietary habits, life style, and level of physical activity, as well as genetic background.