Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Association between lipid comprehensive index and carotid atherosclerosis: evidence from a large-scale ultrasound

Dajie Chen1, Siyu Zhang1, Yuxia Wu1

  • 1Department of Health Services and Management, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, No.68 Xuefu South Road, Changqing Garden, Dongxihu District, Wuhan City, 430048, Hubei Province, China.

Internal and Emergency Medicine
|July 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The Lipid Comprehensive Index (LCI) is linked to a higher risk of carotid atherosclerosis (CA) in adults over 40. This study suggests LCI may serve as a valuable marker for assessing atherosclerosis risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Atherosclerosis Research
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Carotid atherosclerosis (CA) prevalence and risk factors require further characterization, particularly in middle-aged and elderly populations.
  • The association between the Lipid Comprehensive Index (LCI) and CA has not been extensively studied.
  • Understanding novel lipid markers for atherosclerosis is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the Lipid Comprehensive Index (LCI) and prevalent carotid atherosclerosis (CA) in a large cohort of middle-aged and elderly individuals.
  • To evaluate LCI's relationship with specific markers of CA, including carotid intima-media thickening (CMT), plaque, and stenosis.
  • To explore potential effect modifications of this association across various demographic and clinical subgroups.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of 56,383 participants aged ≥40 years from the 2017-2020 Hubei Stroke Screening and Prevention Project.
  • Carotid ultrasonography was used to assess CA, CMT, plaque, and stenosis.
  • Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling were employed to analyze the association between LCI (continuous and quartiles) and CA, with adjustments for potential confounders.

Main Results:

  • Higher LCI levels were significantly associated with increased odds of prevalent CA, CMT, plaque, and stenosis (ptrend < 0.001).
  • The highest quartile of LCI showed substantially increased odds ratios for CA (1.918), CMT (1.950), plaque (1.641), and stenosis (1.531) compared to the lowest quartile.
  • A one-standard-deviation increase in LCI was associated with a 2.0% increase in the odds of CA and CMT, and smaller increases for plaque and stenosis.

Conclusions:

  • The Lipid Comprehensive Index (LCI) demonstrates a significant positive association with prevalent carotid atherosclerosis in individuals aged 40 and above.
  • LCI may serve as a valuable and independent biomarker for identifying individuals at higher risk of developing carotid atherosclerosis.
  • Findings suggest LCI could be incorporated into clinical practice for enhanced atherosclerosis risk stratification.

Keywords:
Carotid atherosclerosisCarotid intima-media thickeningCarotid plaqueLipid comprehensive index

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...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
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...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...