Changes in remnant cholesterol levels after coronary angiography: inflammation and cardiovascular risk assessment

Remnant cholesterol is an important component of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and has emerged as an important potential biomarker for the assessment of cardiovascular risk. The aim of the study is to examine acute changes in remnant cholesterol levels pre- and post-angiography and evaluate their relationship with inflammatory markers.

A total of 183 patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in this retrospective study. Remnant cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, creatine kinase-myocardial band, Troponin-T, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell levels were analyzed pre- and post-angiography. Correlation and regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between the data.

Remnant cholesterol levels increased significantly post-angiography (p<0.05), while low-density lipoprotein showed no significant change (p=0.0588). C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher post-angiography than pre-angiography (p<0.05), which was considered as an indicator of procedure-related inflammatory response. Correlation analysis found a significant inverse relationship between baseline remnant cholesterol and post-angiography C-reactive protein (p<0.05). However, in a multivariable regression, C-reactive protein did not have a significant independent effect on remnant cholesterol levels (p>0.05). Baseline remnant cholesterol (pre-angiography) levels showed an inverse association with post-procedure troponin T (β=-0.014, p<0.05), whereas post-angiography remnant cholesterol demonstrated no significant correlation with troponin T (p>0.05).

This study reveals significant post-angiography increases in remnant cholesterol, indicating acute metabolic and inflammatory changes. While these findings enhance understanding of remnant cholesterol dynamics during vascular interventions, the lack of long-term outcomes necessitates cautious interpretation. Future research should validate its prognostic value and therapeutic implications. Remnant cholesterol shows potential as a biomarker but requires further investigation before clinical implementation.