Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with impaired endothelial function in Asian Indians

This study was designed to assess the relationship between plasma lipid levels and endothelial function in Asian Indians without cardiovascular risk factors living in the United States. While traditional risk factors do not account for the increased incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Asian Indians, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, elevated lipoprotein (a), and insulin resistance are consistently found in Asian Indians with CHD. Endothelial function was measured in 86 healthy Asian Indians (mean age 33 years) free of cardiac risk factors with LDL levels<160 mg/dL. Subjects were divided into two groups on the basis of HDL levels (low HDL<40 mg/dL and normal HDL-40 mg/dL). Endothelial function during reactive hyperemia was significantly impaired in Asian Indians in the low HDL group. After covariate adjustment, NTG-induced brachial vasodilation was not different between patients in the two HDL groups. These data indicate that low HDL is associated with endothelial dysfunction in this population.