Beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: respective contributions of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio to coronary heart disease risk in apparently healthy men and women.

Description

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of several indices of the lipid/lipoprotein profile such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), triglyceride (TG) levels and total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratio, to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study examined the 11-year follow-up data from the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition)-Norfolk Study, which included a primary prevention population of over 21 000 men and women aged 45 to 79 years at baseline. Results showed that non-HDL-C, TG, and the TC to HDL-C ratio were more strongly associated with risk of future CHD than was LDL-C. Moreover, the authors reported that at any LDL-C level, individuals with elevated non-HDL-C levels, elevated TG levels, or with an increase TC to HDL-C ratio remained at increased risk of developing CHD. In her editorial comment, Robinson JG emphasizes the importance of the study by Arsenault et al. which adds further support to the use of non-HDL-C as a target of therapy for cadiovascular disease risk management.