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Atherosclerosis

Low HDL Cholesterol Levels Linked to Increased CAD Risk in Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research conducted by a team of scientists from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has revealed a significant association between low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in adult patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). The study analyzed data from 1867 patients, categorized into four quartiles based on baseline HDL-C levels, and found that lower HDL-C quartiles were associated with increased prevalence of CAD risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, smoking, and body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² compared to higher ones. The research emphasizes the importance of considering HDL-C levels in CAD risk stratification of patients with HeFH.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study examined the association between HDL-C levels and CAD prevalence in adult patients with HeFH, showing that lower HDL-C levels were associated with increased prevalence of CAD risk factors.
  • The analysis was based on data from 1867 patients, categorized into quartiles based on baseline HDL-C levels: Q1 (35 ± 5 mg/dL), Q2 (45 ± 2 mg/dL), Q3 (54 ± 3 mg/dL), and Q4 (70 ± 10 mg/dL).
  • Lower HDL-C quartiles were associated with increased prevalence of CAD risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, smoking, and body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² compared to higher ones.
  • The research concluded that HDL-C levels should be considered in CAD risk stratification of patients with HeFH.
  • The study's findings are consistent with previous research on the importance of HDL-C in cardiovascular health.
  • The analysis was part of a larger study published in the journal Endocrine, focusing on the relationship between HDL cholesterol and CAD risk in patients with HeFH.

Statistics:

  • 1867 patients were included in the analysis.
  • Patients were categorized into four quartiles based on baseline HDL-C levels: Q1 (35 ± 5 mg/dL), Q2 (45 ± 2 mg/dL), Q3 (54 ± 3 mg/dL), and Q4 (70 ± 10 mg/dL).
  • 47.6% of patients in the lowest HDL-C quartile had established total CAD.
  • 39.7% of patients in the lowest HDL-C quartile had premature CAD.
  • Patients with lower HDL-C levels had higher prevalence of CAD risk factors, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, smoking, and body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m².

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Report Recent Findings in Type 2 Diabetes (Hdl Cholesterol As an Associate of Prevalent Coronary Artery Disease In Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia Beyond Ldl Cholesterol). Cardiovascular Week. October 20, 2025; p 147.
  • Hdl Cholesterol As an Associate of Prevalent Coronary Artery Disease In Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia Beyond Ldl Cholesterol. Endocrine.

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