Impact of Obesity on Hemostatic Functions in obese women in Taif City

Abstract

Background: An epidemic increase in obesity prevalence has been observed in most of the countries. This phenomenon is an emerging health problem that is associated with increasing prevalence of obesity-related co-morbidities and mortality.

Objective :This study is designed to assess some hemostatic indices as plasma levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), platelet count and mean platelet volume (MVP), and its association with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, plasma lipids profiles, in relation to body mass index (BMI) status in obese Saudi  women in Taif City.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Saudi adult female volunteers, aged between 25-50 years, attending Al-Hada Hospital, were recruited for the study. Thirteen of them are non obese females (control group) with BMI ranged between 18 and 24.9 kg/m² and 30 are obese females (obese group) with BMI >30 kg/m².

Results: In obese group, the plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher (P< 0.05), whereas PT and APTT were significantly shortened (P< 0.05 for each) than control group. Significantly higher levels of triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), while significantly lower levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) with P value < 0.05 were found in obese group as compared to control. Significant positive correlations were found between BMI and each of plasma fibrinogen (r = 0.65, P< 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.72, P< 0.001) and  LDL (r = 0.68, P< 0.001). While negative correlations were found between BMI and each of  PT (r = - 0.58, P< 0.01) and  HDL (r =  - 0.55, P< 0.05).      

 Conclusion: Obesity is associated with disturbed hemostatic functions  in obese women in Taif City which predispose to the development of thrombosis and thromboembolic complications. This highlights the need for the use of efficient preventative measures against complications of obesity.