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Atherogenic lipoprotein subprofiling

Allison A Ellington1, Iftikhar J Kullo

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Advances in Clinical Chemistry
|November 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a risk for heart disease. Novel markers like LDL particle size and lipoprotein (a) may improve risk assessment, even in those with normal LDL cholesterol.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Lipidology
  • Preventive Cardiology

Background:

  • Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a primary risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • A notable proportion of coronary events occur in individuals with conventionally normal serum LDL cholesterol levels.
  • This highlights potential limitations in current risk stratification methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review lipoprotein biology and its association with CHD risk.
  • To explore the utility of novel lipoprotein markers beyond LDL-associated cholesterol for improved CHD risk stratification.
  • To discuss available methodologies for atherogenic lipid subprofiling.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular risk.
  • Analysis of studies investigating novel lipoprotein markers (LDL particle size, number, Lp(a)) in relation to CHD.
  • Examination of current laboratory techniques for lipid subfraction analysis.

Main Results:

  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels alone may not fully capture an individual's coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
  • LDL particle size and number, along with lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels, are emerging as important predictors of CHD.
  • These novel markers may enhance risk assessment, particularly in individuals with normal LDL cholesterol.

Conclusions:

  • Assessing LDL particle size, number, and Lp(a) levels alongside traditional LDL cholesterol can refine coronary heart disease (CHD) risk stratification.
  • Further research and clinical integration of these advanced lipid markers are warranted for comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • Methodologies for atherogenic lipid subprofiling are evolving to support clinical application.

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