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[Comparison between HDL and LDL cholesterol as risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis]
R J Gagliardi1, M Sanches, Z Rasslan
1Disciplina de Neurologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brasil.
Insights
Higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels correlate with fewer carotid artery (CA) atherosclerotic plaques and stenosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels showed a direct relationship with plaque presence but not stenosis severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery (CA) are a significant risk factor for stroke.
- Lipoprotein levels, specifically high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are implicated in atherogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum HDL and LDL levels and the presence and severity of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery.
- To determine if lipoprotein levels correlate with carotid artery stenosis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 125 patients aged 45-75 years.
- Measurement of serum HDL and LDL levels.
- Ultrasonographic Mode B investigation of the carotid artery for plaque and stenosis assessment.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant inverse relationship was observed between HDL levels and the presence of CA atherosclerotic plaques (x2 = 6.57).
- HDL levels also showed a significant inverse correlation with the degree of CA stenosis (x2 = 9.24).
- A direct relationship was found between LDL levels and the presence of CA atherosclerotic plaques, though not statistically significant for stenosis (x2 = 0.97).
Conclusions:
- Higher HDL levels are associated with a reduced prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques and stenosis in the carotid artery.
- LDL levels may be associated with plaque development but not necessarily with the severity of carotid artery stenosis.
- Findings align with existing literature, emphasizing the role of HDL in mitigating atherosclerosis progression.
Abstract:
In order to find out whether there exists a relationship between HDL and LDL serum levels and atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery (CA), a prospective study was carried out involving 125 patients. They were aleatorily included, of both sexes and age between 45-75 years old. HDL and LDL serum levels were measured as well CA ultrasonographic mode B investigated. It was verified that the number of patients having atherosclerotic plaques in CA was inversely proportional to the HDL levels. We came up with the same ratio when the HDL levels were compared to the number of patients having CA stenosis. These results were statistically significant (x2 = 6.57 and x2 = 9.24 respectively; critical x2 = 5.99 to alpha = 5%). A direct ratio was also found out in the relationship between the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the CA and the LDL serum levels (greater in patients with plaques). However no relationship between LDL levels and the occurrence or not of CA stenosis in patients having plaques was demonstrated. The results were not statistically significant (x2 = 0.97 and x2 = 0.41, respectively, critical x2 = 5.99 to alpha = 5%). The obtained results seem to be at least in part in agreement with literature findings. Statistically significative results in the comparison of HDL and LDL levels with the grade of stenosis of the CA were not found out (x2 = 11.78 and x2 = 4.03, respectively; critical x2 = 12.59 to alpha = 5%).