Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration Ratio and Early Marker of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate markerfor cardiovascular disease (CVD) and LDL-C/ HDL-C ratio is related to CIMT or carotid plaque. Evaluate early atherosclerosis markers whether elevated levels of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is a more significant predictor than LDL-C or HDL-C alone.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between early atherosclerosis markers using CIMT carotid plaque, carotidplaque type and LDL/HDL ratio surrogate maker and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cross sectional study. Aged 18-80 years in cardiovascular clinic, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand CIMT carotid plaque and carotid plaque type were measured using a B-mode ultrasonography, ratio LDL/HDL, Framingham risk score and traditional CVD risk factors (age, body mass index (BMI), Waist hip ratio (WHR), gender total Cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C) were assessed in the entire population.

RESULTS: Population of 302 subjects (154 (51%) male) mean age (47.17 ± 10.95 years) was recruited. The mean CIMT 0.71 mm (min 0.46 mm and max 1.22 mm). CIMT correlated with WHR (p < 0.01), SBP (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (p = 0.032), triglyceride (p < 0.01) but not with LDL/HDL ratio, other traditional risk factors BMI, FBS, LDL-C and HDL-C. Carotid plaque showed association only with triglyceride (p = 0.011). Carotid plaque type showed association with age (p < 0.01), sex (0.03), Framingham risk score (p = 0.03), WHR (P = 0.01) and SBP (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: No association between early atherosclerosis CIMT carotid plaques, carotid plaque type with LDL/HDL ratio identified but closely associated with WHR.