Baseline characteristics of 199 cases and 190 controls at enrollment.

Data are shown as percentages for categorical variables and means for continuous variables. CAD, coronary artery disease; BMI, body mass index; LDL, low density lipoprotein; HDL, high density lipoprotein.Active smokers were included in the group of smokers whereas subjects who have never smoked or who have stopped smoking for ten years or more were considered as non-smokers.Hypertensive participants were defined by systemic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or treatment with antihypertensive therapy.Hypercholesterolemia was determined by total cholesterol >220 mg/dl.Obesity was defined by BMI >25 kg/m2.Diabete was determined by medical history or fasting blood glucose >126 mg/dl on two testing occasions or glucose overload test.