Correlations of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with other plasma lipid and lipoprotein

Circulation
|November 1, 1980
PubMed

Insights

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol associations with other lipids vary by age and sex, but not hormone use. This study analyzed lipid profiles in thousands of adults, finding HDL cholesterol negatively correlates with triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Plasma lipoprotein levels are critical indicators of cardiovascular health.
  • Understanding the interrelationships between different lipoprotein fractions is essential for risk assessment.
  • Previous studies have suggested associations, but age and sex-specific variations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the associations between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and other plasma lipid and lipoprotein fractions.
  • To examine how these associations vary by age, sex, and hormone use.
  • To compare findings with previous research on lipid profiles.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels from the Lipid Research Clinics (LRC) Prevalence Study.
  • Inclusion of 3493 males and 3318 females across various age strata.
  • Calculation of correlation coefficients using logarithmic transformation, stratified by age, sex, and hormone use.

Main Results:

  • Correlations of HDL cholesterol with other lipid fractions were strongly dependent on age and sex.
  • Age-dependent correlations within the 20-70 year range were accurately modeled by linear regression.
  • A weakly positive association was observed between HDL and total cholesterol, while a marked negative association existed between HDL cholesterol and triglyceride/VLDL cholesterol levels.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between HDL cholesterol and other lipoproteins is significantly influenced by age and sex.
  • Gonadal hormone use did not appear to affect these associations.
  • Findings align with existing literature, reinforcing the complex interplay of lipids in cardiovascular health.

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