LDL-C/HDL-C Ratio Predicts Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression Better Than HDL-C or LDL-C Alone
2011

LDL-C/HDL-C Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression

Sample size: 1456 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Enomoto Mika, Adachi Hisashi, Hirai Yuji, Fukami Ako, Satoh Akira, Otsuka Maki, Kumagae Shun-Ichi, Nanjo Yasuki, Yoshikawa Kuniko, Esaki Eishi, Kumagai Eita, Ogata Kinuka, Kasahara Akiko, Tsukagawa Eri, Yokoi Kanako, Ohbu-Murayama Kyoko, Imaizumi Tsutomu

Primary Institution: Kurume University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Is the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio a better predictor of carotid intima-media thickness progression than HDL-C or LDL-C alone?

Conclusion

The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is a better predictor of carotid intima-media thickness progression than HDL-C or LDL-C alone.

Supporting Evidence

  • Changes in IMT were significantly related to HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio.
  • LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was a stronger predictor of IMT progression than individual cholesterol levels.
  • Follow-up rate was 75.8% with complete data sets available from 1,456 subjects.

Takeaway

This study found that the ratio of bad cholesterol to good cholesterol can help predict heart problems better than looking at each type of cholesterol by itself.

Methodology

The study measured changes in carotid intima-media thickness in 1,920 subjects over 8 years using ultrasonography.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to missing data from subjects who could not be followed up.

Limitations

The study lacked biochemical measurements and medication data at follow-up, did not measure total plaque area, and only included subjects over 40 years old.

Participant Demographics

794 men and 1,126 women, all over the age of 40.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2011/549137

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