Alterations in SBP, DBP, BMI, and Serum Lipid Profile may be Indicative of Susceptibility for Cardiovascular Disorders in Some Young Adult Females with Striae Distensae

Abstract

A bstract Background: Striae distensae (SD) is a connective tissue disorder manifesting as skin lesions or scars of linear patterns. Its role in the development of cardiovascular disorders has not been well researched. Objective: This study aims to determine if there is any significant association between serum lipid profile, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and body mass index (BMI) in development of SD in some young adult females. Materials and Methods: Thirty young adult females with SD and thirty controls participated in this case control study. For each participant, SBP, DBP, and BMI were determined. The serum lipid profile was also determined using the spectrophotometric method. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were significantly higher levels of SBP (124.80 ± 8.78 versus 113.73 ± 5.81 mm Hg, P = 0.001), DBP (79.20 ± 10.98 versus 68.86 ± 7.05 mm Hg, P = 0.000), and BMI (27.92 ± 3.31 versus 22.21 ± 2.19, P = 0.000) in young adult females with SD compared to controls. There were significantly higher blood levels of total cholesterol (194.60 ± 21.59 versus 156.20 ± 27.40, P = 0.000), and low-density lipoprotein (111.19 ± 26.51 versus 85.56 ± 32.67, P = 0.022), but a significantly lower level of high-density lipoprotein (25.37 ± 22.55 versus 51.26 ± 32.56, P value = 0.008) in the cases with SD compared to controls. There was no significant difference in the blood level of triglycerides (44.80 ± 21.62, versus 53.20 ± 40.25, P value = 0.635). Correlation studies revealed a significant positive association between BMI, SBP, and DBP and altered serum lipid profile ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Young adult females with SD are at higher risks of SBP, DBP, BMI, and abnormal lipid profile, suggesting possible susceptibility to cardiovascular disorders.