Abstract

Evidence suggests that there is strong relationship between stress and development of cardiovascular disorders. Here, the relationship between academic stress and selected traditional markers of cardiovascular disorder such as lipids and lipoprotein profile and apoproteins were investigated. Eighty apparently healthy male and female students participated in the study. Plasma concentration of selected biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoproteins, Apoproteins A and B were determined before academic activities and one hour to an examination. Student’s ’t’ test was used to compare the values before and after stress periods. Results showed significant elevations in total cholesterol, triglyceride, Apo A and B while there was reduction in mean concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) during the intense academic period when compared with when there was no academic activity. These results suggest that intense academic activity may cause stress which may affect plasma lipids and lipoproteins.  

Key words: Dyslipidemia, stress, atherosclerosis, apoproteins.