Mortality associated with seasonal changes in ambient temperature and humidity in Zenica-Doboj Canton.

Aim To determine the relationship between seasonal changes in ambient temperature, humidity and general and specific mortality rates in the area of Zenica-Doboj Canton. Methods Changes in the average monthly mortality in the period from 2008 to 2019 were analysed (linear regression) in relation to the average temperatures and humidity in those months in the same time period in Zenica-Doboj Canton. Results Overall mortality increased from 7.9 ‰ in 2008 to 10.2 ‰ in 2019. Overall and specific mortality rates for cardiovascular, malignant, respiratory and metabolic diseases followed seasonal change of ambient temperature and humidity. The monitoring trend showed strong determination degree for overall mortality and mortality for cardiovascular, malignant and respiratory diseases, while for metabolic diseases it was somewhat lower. The highest mortality rates were found in January (cold month), and in August (warm month); the lowest one was in May, September and October. There was a strong significant negative correlation between temperature and mortality rates, while the correlation between humidity and mortality rates was not significant. Conclusion As we have proven that mortality rates followed seasonal changes in ambient temperature and determined months with the least mortality rate, the community must take measures to ensure microclimatic conditions for the survival of patients with cardiovascular, malignant, respiratory and metabolic diseases.

Epidemiological characteristics of accidental needle-stick injury among health care professionals in primary healthcare in Zenica.

Aim To determine the extent and characteristics of incidental injuries, primarily by needles and other medically sharp instruments and to recommend preventative activities to health care professionals. Methods The survey was conducted among 200 healthcare and non-healthcare employees of the Primary Health Care Centre Zenica (48% of the total number of employees). Care workers were surveyed, and the sample was randomly selected in proportion to the number of employees in institutional departments. Respondents answered questions about gender and age, work experience and qualifications; the number and type of exposure to incidents in the past year, number of career incidents, number of reported incidents; information on the manner and cause of the incident. Results The sample consisted mainly of females, 153 (83.2%). An exposure to incident during their work was experienced by 128 (69.6% ) respondents: needle-stick injury, 79 (42.9%), unforeseen patient response, 42 (22.8%), rush to perform the procedure, 34 (18,5%), and negligence, 18 (9.8%). The incidents most frequently occurred in gynaecology department (all respondents experienced an incident event), followed by department of family medicine, 47 (67%). The main reason for these incidents was rush to perform procedures, in 9 (12.5%). Of 128 experienced incident events, 21 (16.4%) were reported. Conclusion The low rate of reporting of exposure to incidents does not provide a realistic basis for risk assessment and preventive action. Primary task for improving safety of work processes at our setting will be to raise employee's awareness of the need to report exposure incidents.

Quality of care for patients with diabetes done by family medicine team during the period 2013-2016.

Aim To assess whether the quality of diabetes care provided by a family medicine team changed over the course of four years and to identify potential gaps in our practice in order to improve it in the future. Methods An audit was carried out for randomly selected 120 medical records (MC) from the Diabetes Registry of patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus treated by one family medicine team for four consecutive years, from 2013 to 2016. We examined demographic data (gender, age, diabetes type, family history), annual examinations (glycated haemoglobin, blood glucose, lipid profile, neurological examination, urinalysis, foot care, ocular fundus and body mass index), prescribed insulin or other drugs and patients' education. Results Over the years females dominated with the maximum of 63% in 2013. In most years type 2 diabetes occurred in 93% of patients. The acceptable level of monitoring included examination of ocular fundus, lipid profile or total cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting and postprandial blood glucose with more than 80% annually. A low level of monitoring complications of diabetes was found on monofilament test, 26% in 2016, urinalysis, 20% in 2016 and examination of feet with the maximum of 46% in 2013. Outcome measurement showed satisfactory levels of glycated haemoglobin of 60% in 2014, blood pressure 76% in 2014, fast 56% and postprandial blood glucose of 73% in 2013. Conclusion We still need to find effective interventions that will lead to improvement of care for patients with diabetes in family medicine.

Identification of conditions which lead to unjustified requests for emergency treatment of hypertensive patients.

Aim To determine most common factors making patients with high blood pressure seek professionally unacceptable treatment of hypertension at the Emergency Department. Methods The survey was conducted at the Emergency Department of the Primary Health Care in Gradacac on randomly selected 207 patients who requested medical help because of high blood pressure. For all patients arterial blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were measured. A survey about knowledge and attitudes regarding habits that affect high blood pressure as well as the socio-economic conditions was made. Results Prevalence of 10.3% was found with regard to visits to emergency care by patients due to high blood pressure. Most patients, 127(61.4 %), were overweight and 36(17.4%) were obese. Patients who rarely controlled their blood pressure were more frequent visitors of emergency medical services. Stressful situation occurs as a factor in a variety of forms. The survey showed that 76 (36.7%) patients sought medical help even though they had no blood pressure values that required emergency care. Conclusion Poorly organized health care system with no continuous and comprehensive preventive promotional programs caused by inappropriate use of resources in health care. The reorganization of primary care with full implementation of family medicine and greater integration of family medicine with other levels of the health care system should provide a better control and treatment of other diseases such as hypertension.

Public health significance of immunization and epidemic occurrence of measles.

Aim To investigate epidemiological characteristics of the measles epidemic (risk factors and reasons for its emergence) in order to establish better control and prevention of future epidemics as well as to determine an influence of poor collective immunization of children against measles on appearance of epidemic disease. Methods An open retrospective epidemiological study of measles infection was conducted during the epidemic in Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDC) in the period 2014-2015. Disease reports, Disease Reporting Forms for measles and rubella cases and the Bulletin of the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica were used for data collection. Results A total of 325 patients with the diagnosis of measles were registered, 262 (80.61%) in 2014 and 63 (19.39%) in 2015 resulting in overall incidence of 81.25/100.000. The majority of patients were aged 0-6 (p<0.05). Of the total number of patients, only 13 (4.73%) were orderly vaccinated (p <0.05). In the period 2009- 2015 in ZDC 25.444 (83.34%) children (p <0.05) were vaccinated with measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Conclusion Results of the study show that the low level of vaccination of children continues to a risk of the emergence of epidemics of measles and other infectious diseases. Therefore, in order to prevent the disease there is a need for a better vaccination campaign.

Analysis of Food Toxin Trends in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Over Five Years Period.

INTRODUCTION: Alimentary toxoinfections represent a significant public health problem. Globalization of the market and food production, significant impoverishment of a large part of the population, and traditional approach with food preparation and consumption, cause a significant increase in the rates of population infections around the world. The epidemiological surveillance of the illness occurrence plays a significant role in monitoring and controlling the population's burden of diseases caused by unhygienically prepared and stored food. AIM: The aim of the article is to determine the rates and trends of food related diseases in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. RESULTS: The results of the analysis have shown that the rate of illness in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is declining but is still significantly higher than in developed western countries. Particularly great burden is on the population of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDC), which can be due to the traditional relation to the preparation and storage of food, as well as to the relatively poorer economic situation in ZDC. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that the strengthening of the monitoring system, laboratory capacities, the availability of monitoring guides will enable responsible FBiH/Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions to better control and implement safer food practice.

Prevention of trismus with different pharmacological therapies after surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molar.

Aim To assess prevention and reduction of trismus after surgically extracted impacted mandibular third molars with individual and combined therapy with corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory analgesics. Methods The research included 60 randomly selected patients (3 groups) attended to the Dental Oral Surgery of the Public Institution Healthcare Center Zenica during the period January-December 2008. Patients of both genders, 18-45 years of age, were presented without pain and other inflammatory symptoms at the time of surgery. According to a scheme established in the research protocol, two medications were administered orally: methylprednisolone(corticosteroid) 32 mg and meloxicam (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic, NSAID) 15 mg as a single drug, or a combination of both drugs. The level of trismus is assessed on the basis of differences of preoperative and postoperative values of interincisal spaces when fully opening the mouth on the second and the seventh post-operative day. The differences between groups of patients were evaluated by means of Tukey's HSD test. Results On the second and on the seventh post-operative day significantly better results were registered in the group that received only corticosteroids and in the group that received both, corticosteroids and NSAIDs compared to the group that received only NSAIDs. A tendency of trismus reduction was present in all patient groups for the second and seventh day after surgery. Conclusion Prevention and control of postoperative trismus after surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars with combined therapy is effective and superior comparing to individual therapy with meloxicam-or methylprednisolone alone.

Impact of self-rated health among elderly on visits tofamily physicians.

Aim To evaluate animpact of eight dimensions of self-rated health measured by the SF-36 questionnaire on visits to family physicians among people older than 65. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in family medicine outpatient departments of the Public Institution Primary Health Care Center of Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 200 respondents divided into two age groups:18-65 (n=100) and older than 65 (n=100). The SF-36 questionnaire for self-assessment of health status and a questionnaire for the evaluation of socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and health care utilization were used. Results In the group of respondents aged 18-65 the dimension that was related to physical functioning was assessed as best(79.1±25.6), while the dimension concerning the vitality was assessed as the worst (56.1±19.9). In the group of respondents older than 65 the dimension related to social functioning was assessed as best (65.4±24.9), and the dimensions related to general health was assessed as worst (47.7±20.4). Family physicians were visited by significantly more respondents older than 65 than those from the age group 18-65 (94% vs.74%) (p= 0.000). Scores on the scales of general health (p=0.021) and social functioning (p=0.024) in respondents older than 65 had a significant impact on visits to family physicians. Conclusion Poor self-rated general health and better social functioning are important predictors of visiting family physicians by elderly persons.

Epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis in the area of Zenica-Doboj Canton in period from 2008 to 2012.

INTRODUCTION: Meningococcal meningitis now represents a significant public health problem, not only in developing countries but also in developed ones. The disease usually occurs sporadically, and much less in smaller epidemics. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis in the area of Zenica-Doboj Canton in the five-year period from 2008 to 2012th. In total there were 38 reported and hospitalized patients, with an average of 7-8 patients per year. RESULTS: Most commonly disease occurred in infants and young children (28.9%). The highest number was recorded in 2011, 10 cases or (26.3%). Most patients in the monitored period were registered in the municipality of Zenica-12 cases (31.6%) and Zepce 8 cases (21.1%). All hospitalized patients were sporadic cases, there has never been an epidemic in the observed period. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemic Meningitis is a very serious disease and a significant public health problem that requires a serious medical scientific approach for its resolution, primarily in finding adequate vaccine and its administration.

Association between high levels of stress and risky health behavior.

AIM: To determine the amount of stress to which young and adult persons were exposed during the last twelve months and relationship between stress levels and risky health behavior. METHODS: The study was conducted from November 2011 until January 2012 in the Sarajevo Canton. The study included 700 respondents divided into two groups: 350 young people aged 15- 27 years and 350 adults aged over 27 years. As an instrument for data collection a questionnaire was used to provide information on demographic characteristics of respondents and habits, as well as Holmes and Rahe stress scale to determine the level of stress. RESULTS: The average value of the stress scale score was 302.56±149.75 for the total sample, 331.7±165.7 for youth and 273.5±125.6 for adults. Respondents from the group of young people in the last twelve months had an average of 3.6 highly stressful events and 1.9 in the group of adults. In the group of young people there were more respondents with inadequate nutrition (p=0.023) and more smokers (p=0.128). In the group of adults more people were overweight (p=0.001) and had reduced physical activity (p=0.006). Both study groups had an equal number of respondents who consumed alcohol. People with high levels of stress consumed alcohol significantly more (p=0.03) and smoked (p=0.02) compared to those with low levels of stress. CONCLUSION: The respondents of both groups were exposed to large amount of stress that was associated with smoking and alcohol consumption. There is a need to design appropriate strategies for coping with stress and their implementation in lifestyle.

Epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis in the area of zenica-doboj canton in period from 2008 to 2012.

INTRODUCTION: Meningococcal meningitis now represents a significant public health problem, not only in developing countries but also in developed ones. The disease usually occurs sporadically, and much less in smaller epidemics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of meningococcal meningitis in the area of Zenica-Doboj Canton in the five-year period from 2008 to 2012th. In total there were 38 reported and hospitalized patients, with an average of 7-8 patients per year. RESULTS: Most commonly disease occurred in infants and young children (28.9%). The highest number was recorded in 2011, 10 cases or (26.3%). Most patients in the monitored period were registered in the municipality of Zenica-12 cases (31.6%) and Zepce 8 cases (21.1%). All hospitalized patients were sporadic cases, there has never been an epidemic in the observed period. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemic Meningitis is a very serious disease and a significant public health problem that requires a serious medical scientific approach for its resolution, primarily in finding adequate vaccine and its administration.

Tuberculosis related stigma and delay in seeking care after the onset of symptoms associated with tuberculosis.

AIM: To determine association between tuberculosis (TB) related stigma and delay in seeking a treatment after the onset of symptoms associated with tuberculosis. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out in the "Podhrastovi" University Clinic of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis and Health facilities for lung diseases and tuberculosis in the Sarajevo area. The sample consisted of 300 tuberculosis patients. Between patients who consider TB a stigmatizing disease and patients who did not consider TB a stigmatizing disease distribution of patient delay was compared. RESULTS: Of the total of 300 patients 79 (26.3%) considered TB a socially stigmatizing disease. Among them 43 (54.4%) were females and 36 (45.6%) males. Among patients in the age group 18-24 years, nine (50%) considered TB a socially stigmatizing disease compared to seven (12.3%) among patients in the age group 65-75 years. Among patients with university degree, nine (64.3%) and among patients that had no education, one (9.1%) declared TB as a socially stigmatizing disease. The average time interval from the appearance of first symptoms of tuberculosis until the first visit to a health care facility for those who consider TB a stigmatizing disease was 6.41 weeks and for those who did not consider it a stigmatizing disease the average time interval was 4.99 weeks. CONCLUSION: Study results revealed high stigma-generating attitudes towards tuberculosis. Perceived TB related stigma had no strong impact on patient delay in seeking care for TB symptoms.

Social exclusion as a determining health factor of the Roma population.

INTRODUCTION: Poverty, social inequality and marginalization of certain population groups cause the exclusion of these groups from the society and the benefits provided by the social relations of the community. GOAL: The goal of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of social exclusion of the Roma population in the local community and to determine how this exclusion affects the health status of the population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Included-survey, medical examination and laboratory testing of full blood, blood glucose and markers of hepatitis B on 612 Roma. The data obtained are compared to those of the general population of the local community. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The social exclusion of the Roma population in the local community causes its significantly worse health status. Infectious diseases caused by poor hygienic conditions in Roma settlements and chronic diseases caused by stress, inadequate nutrition and poor housing conditions occur 5-20 times more frequently than in the general population.

Way of life as emphasizing factors in the progression of idiophatic scoliosis in adolescence era.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic scoliosis is a significant health problem which occurs in 2%-4% school kids in adolescent age. Reasons of occurrence are not quite clear, there are many theories, but probably it is multifactor disease. Among the theories that are mentioned some of them included environmental and behavioral factors. AIM: Research the impact of some environmental and behavioral factor on development and progression of idiopathic scoliosis in school kids. METHODOLOGY: Research was conducted on 421 pupil in adolescent age, where 120 pupils was from urban schools and 301 pupil from rural schools. Environmental factors and habits like the bigger osteomuscular structure mobility at kids from rural schools, longer outdoor time spending, different nutrition, alcoholism and smoking, different obligations, etc. factors which can be cause of scoliosis development. RESULTS: In this research we assumed that different environmental and behavioral factors of school kids, which exist in rural and urban areas, can develop to different expression of scoliosis in these areas. In our research we proved that the scoliosis occurrence is more often in urban areas than in rural (Fisher's exact test P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to research all factors of lifestyle individually, which are different between the urban and rural kids.

Social networks in improvement of health care.

Social network is a social structure made of individuals or organizations associated with one or more types of interdependence (friendship, common interests, work, knowledge, prestige, etc.) which are the "nodes" of the network. Networks can be organized to exchange information, knowledge or financial assistance under the various interest groups in universities, workplaces and associations of citizens. Today the most popular and widely used networks are based on application of the Internet as the main ICT. Depending on the method of connection, their field of activity and expertise of those who participate in certain networks, the network can be classified into the following groups: a) Social Networks with personal physical connectivity (the citizens' associations, transplant networks, etc.), b) Global social internet network (Facebook, Twitter, Skype), c) specific health internet social network (forums, Health Care Forums, Healthcare Industry Forum), d) The health community internet network of non professionals (DailyStrength, CaringBridge, CarePages, MyFamilyHealth), e) Scientific social internet network (BiomedExperts, ResearchGate, iMedExchange), f) Social internet network which supported professionals (HealthBoards, Spas and Hope Association of Disabled and diabetic Enurgi), g) Scientific medical internet network databases in the system of scientific and technical information (CC, Pubmed/Medline, Excerpta Medica/EMBASE, ISI Web Knowledge, EBSCO, Index Copernicus, Social Science Index, etc.). The information in the network are exchanged in real time and in a way that has until recently been impossible in real life of people in the community. Networks allow tens of thousands of specific groups of people performing a series of social, professional and educational activities in the place of living and housing, place of work or other locations where individuals are. Network provides access to information related to education, health, nutrition, drugs, procedures, etc., which gives a special emphasis on public health aspects of information, especially in the field of medicine and health care. The authors of this paper discuss the role and practical importance of social networks in improving the health and solving of health problems without the physical entrance into the health care system. Social networks have their advantages and disadvantages, benefits and costs, especially when it comes to information which within the network set unprofessional people from unreliable sources, without an adequate selection. The ethical aspect of the norms in this segment is still not adequately regulated, so any sanctions for the unauthorized and malicious use of social networks in private and other purposes in order to obtain personal gain at the expense of individuals or groups (sick or healthy, owners of certain businesses and companies, health organizations and pharmaceutical manufacturers, etc.), for which there is still no global or European codes and standards of conduct. Cyber crime is now one of the mostly present types of crime in modern times, as evidenced by numerous scandals that are happening both globally and locally.

Social networks in medical education in bosnia and herzegovina.

INTRODUCTION: Beginning with the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, the Internet was a significant additional tool in the education of teenagers. Later, it takes more and more significant role in educating students and professionals. GOAL: The aim of this paper is to investigate, to what extent and how effectively the Internet is used today by students of biomedical faculties in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, more specifically, this paper will research the implications of the well-known social networks in education of students and health professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We compared the ratio of using Social networks by students for spreading medical information as basics for health education at medical faculties at 3 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed that only 11.6% of professors use Facebook type of social network, 49.3% of them have a profile on BiomedExperts scientific social network and 79% have available articles in the largest biomedical literature database MEDLINE. Students are also frequent users of general social networks and educational clips from You Tube, which they prefer to utilize considerably more than the other types of professionals. Students rarely use the facilities of professional social networks, because they contain mainly data and information needed for further, postgraduate professional education. CONCLUSION: In B&H there are decent conditions for the use of online social networks in the education of health professionals. While students enthusiastically embraced these opportunities, this is not so much a case with health care professionals in practice; while scientific health care workers have not shown greater interest in the use of social networks, both for purposes of scientific research and in terms of self-education and training of students.

Epidemiological and microbiological control of hospital infections in surgical patients.

INTRODUCTION: Intrahospital infections in surgical wards pose a significant problem, particularly in patients with impaired natural defense potential. They significantly complicate and increase the cost of basic treatment of the patient and sometimes leave permanent damage. Active control of their appearance is of paramount importance in their prevention. GOAL: By this study we try to determine the frequency of individual agents, their anatomical and gender distribution at the Clinic of Surgery, University Clinical Centre Tuzla in 2005.v. RESULTS: Our study showed that gram negative bacteria were more common trigger of IHI (76.37%), and especially the urinary and respiratory tract and surgical wounds infections. We also showed that men from older age groups are more likely to have IHI. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance and tracing for agents, especially in high-risk groups of patients is the best method of prevention of IHI occurrence.

A better level of HbA1c control achieved by family medicine teams, Bosnia and Herzegovina, by using diabetes mellitus type 2 recommended guidelines.

AIM: To evaluate HbA1c level for diabetic type 2 patients after the implementation of guidelines for diabetes mellitus (GDM) in primary health care settings. According to recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology and European Association for the Study of Diabetes, HbA1c ≤ 6.5 % is considered as optimal level. METHODS: A retrospective analysis randomly selected medical records of DM type 2 patients who were older than 18 before and after the review. Nineteen Family Medicine Teams (FMT) reviewed every second record (46 per FMT) in the family medicine facilities in Zenica two years prior and after the introduction of the Diabetes Mellitus 2 Guidelines. All noted values of HbA1c and all FMTs have been divided to those which reached an optimal level of HbA1c ≤ 6.5 % and those with an inadequate level (non-optimal level of HbA1c p< 6.5 %). RESULTS: Records of 853 patients with type 2 diabetes were analyzed. A total number of HbA1c recorded in the FMT medical records increased significantly after the GDM implementation from 103 (12.1%) to 318 (37.3%). A significant improvement towards an optimal level of HbA1c was noted after the implementation GDM by all FMTs together (7 vs. 92; 6.7% vs. 28.9%; p<0.0001). Only FMT 4 and FMT 14 (2 vs.19; P < 0.05) reached the optimal level of HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Family medicine teams improved the level of HbA1c according to the recommended guidelines for diabetes mellitus after their application. Quality variations of care extended to diabetics have been noted in individual family medicine teams.

Quality of reporting on infectious diseases in Zenica-Doboj Canton.

GOAL: Reporting on infectious diseases is one of the most important measures for controlling the infectious diseases. In Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the implementation an archaic system of reporting, older than 20 years, which is incorporated into the partially reformed health system. The aim of this study is to determine and analyze the quality of keeping records of communicable diseases and quality of data obtained. It also sought to identify weaknesses in the system that contributes to poor reporting and poor data quality. METHODS: The study was retrospective-prospective, descriptive and analytical. Data were collected during June 2010 from all health facilities of Zenica-Doboj Canton. The data are collected from regular reports from medical institutions, received reports on contagious diseases, examination of 12.5% of the medical records of patients who were examined in June 2010, and the survey on 19% 9% physicians and 9% nurses. RESULTS: The survey showed that about 40% of infectious diseases do are not reported by individual application forms. Most often not reported are fungal infections (99.7% unreported) and intestinal infectious diseases. From found diseases in a sample of medical records reviewed, only 1.4% of them were reported. Health professionals in 51% agree that reporting is not satisfactory, and in 49% of the cases agree that the great merit of this situation have the management of health institutions and local epidemiologists who do not organize professional meetings regarding the reporting on infectious diseases. A large number of health professionals (40%) do not fill properly report on the illness, so we have a 58% incorrectly filled forms that arrived in the Institute of Public Health. CONCLUSIONS: The health workers from Zenica-Doboj Canton did not sufficiently developed awareness about the need to report infectious diseases. In order to overcome this situation, management of health care institutions must have a responsible attitude towards the medical documentation and records, and binding continued medical education of health professionals to raise awareness about the importance of proper medical documentation management.

Status of lipids and the frequency diseases of cardiovascular origin in smokers according to the length period of smoking and a number of cigarettes smoked daily.

Cigarette smoking affects all phases of atherosclerosis from endothelial dysfunction to acute occlusive clinical events. The problem is, whether the length of the period of cigarette smoking has a more reflection to the status of lipids and illnesses of cardiovascular system or the bigger number of smoked cigarettes in a shorter time-period? The observed sample has constituted of two groups of smokers, both gender, age 25-64 years old. The first group consisted of 210 examinees divided in 7 subgroups according to a number of years they have been smoking. The second group consisted of 150 examinees, which was divided in 5 subgroups, according to average number of cigarettes smoked daily. The average values of serum cholesterol (6.98 vs. 6.13 mmol/L), triglycerides (3.15 vs. 3.13 mmol/L) and LDL-cholesterol (3.80 vs. 3.64 mmol/L) were always higher in a group of smokers according to a number of daily smoked cigarettes. Average value of smoking consumption period was higher in a group of smokers according to the length of smoking consumption period than in a group of smokers according to a number of cigarettes smoked daily (20.34 y vs. 13.55 y.). Hypertension (72% vs. 30.9%), angina pectoris (44.6% vs. 20.4%), CHD (30.6% vs. 22.8%) and myocardial infarction (16% vs. 11.4%) appeared much more in the group of smokers according to a number of cigarettes smoked daily. More reflection to the status of lipids and illnesses of cardiovascular system has the bigger number of smoked cigarettes daily than the length of the period of cigarette smoking.