Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

A comparison of HDL and LDL cholesterol for prevalent coronary calcification

Matthew A Allison1, C Michael Wright

  • 1University of California at San Diego, 8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite C203, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. mallison@ucsd.net

International Journal of Cardiology
|May 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) shows a stronger association with reduced coronary calcification than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Higher HDL-C levels predict less calcified plaque, but neither is ideal for screening.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Coronary calcification (CAC) is a key indicator of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is hypothesized to be protective against atherosclerosis.
  • Previous studies showed inconsistent associations between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and CAC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the correlation and predictive capabilities of HDL-C versus LDL-C for prevalent coronary calcification.
  • To investigate the relationship between cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic plaque burden.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 6093 subjects, including coronary calcification, serum cholesterol, health history, and body morphology.
  • Utilized correlation coefficients, logistic regression, and sensitivity analyses.
  • Controlled for covariates to assess the independent association of HDL-C with coronary calcification.

Main Results:

  • HDL-C demonstrated a correlation three times stronger than LDL-C with coronary calcium score (CCS).
  • Low HDL-C (<40 mg/dl) was linked to significantly higher calcium scores; increasing HDL-C correlated with reduced risk of calcified plaque.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed HDL-C predicts calcified plaque development independently of LDL-C, though sensitivities and predictive values were low for both.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated HDL-C levels are associated with reduced coronary calcification, supporting its antiatherogenic role.
  • HDL-C independently predicts the presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque, irrespective of LDL-C levels.
  • Neither HDL-C nor LDL-C is sufficiently effective as a standalone screening tool for prevalent calcified atheromatous disease.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...