The results of this recent study which were published in the medical journal, Preventative Medicine, suggest that levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL/’good cholesterol) increase with income level. The authors suggest that this effect may be related to higher stress levels in lower socioeconomic groups. Elevated levels of homocysteine are considered a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation which can be used as a proxy to predict cardiovascular risk. Both higher levels of homocysteine as well as c-reactive protein were also found in lower socioeconomic groups.
“BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein, homocysteine, cholesterol, and fibrinogen are known to vary by socioeconomic status (SES). Using a nationally representative study, we examined whether these factors vary independently of all other known risk factors, such as diet, exercise, and genetic predisposition.”
“RESULTS: We found that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol blood levels increase with income and educational attainment after controlling all known risk factors for elevated cholesterol (e.g., diet, exercise, and family history). Blood levels of C-reactive protein are inversely associated with income and education. Homocysteine blood levels are inversely associated with income even after controlling for blood folate level. A non-significant inverse relationship between homocysteine levels and educational attainment was also observed. Blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fibrinogen were not significantly associated with income or education.”
“CONCLUSIONS: Levels of “good” (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol increase with income and education even after controlling for factors known to place people at risk of high cholesterol. Stress differences by social class may play a role.”
Reference:
Muennig P, Sohler N, Mahato B. Socioeconomic status as an independent predictor of physiological biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: evidence from NHANES. Prev Med. 2007 Jul;45(1):35-40. Epub 2007 Apr 24.
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November 6, 2008 at 8:11 pm
[...] increased levels of homocysteine [...]