Serum LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of carotid plaques: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Background Dyslipidemia contributes to an increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis. However, the association between the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and carotid plaque formation has not been well documented. This study aims to assess the role of LDL-C/HDL-C in the risk of carotid plaque formation in a Chinese population. Methods We followed 2,191 participants who attended the annual routine health examination. Cox proportional hazards regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and subgroup analysis were applied to evaluate the association between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and carotid plaques. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the strength of the association. Results Among 2,191 participants, 388 had incident carotid plaques detected, with a median follow-up time of 1.05 years. Compared with subjects younger than 45 years, those aged 45 to 59 years (HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.55–2.58) and over 60 years (HR: 3.36, 95% CI: 2.47–4.58) had an increased risk of carotid plaque formation. Males (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.56), diabetes (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06–2.01) and a high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38) were significantly linked with the occurrence of carotid plaques. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we observed that a high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio promoted carotid plaque events (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.50). The RCS analysis revealed a significant nonlinear association. The association was stronger among females (P-interaction < 0.05). Conclusion A high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could accelerate the occurrence of carotid plaques. Older men with diabetes and dyslipidemia are the critical target population. Women may be more likely to benefit from lipid-lowering interventions and thus avoid carotid plaque formation.

The Role of the Low-Density Lipoprotein/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio as an Atherogenic Risk Factor in Young Adults with Ischemic Stroke: A Case—Control Study

“…Zhuchao et al investigated the role of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio on carotid plaque formation. The researchers screened 2191 participants and noted that carotid plaque formation increased as the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio increased, particularly in people with diabetes and dyslipidemia [ 26 ]. These studies are evidence that the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is an indicator of atherosclerotic plaque formation.…”

TC/(HDL-C+TBIL) and LDL-C/(HDL-C+TBIL) ratios predict early neurological deterioration in minor ischemic stroke：A retrospective study

“…T Sun et al compared patients and healthy controls, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was higher in patients with CAD (2.94 ± 1.06 vs. 2.36 ± 0.78, p < 0.05). They clari ed that the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is more valuable than LDL-C and HDL-C levels alone in lipid panel analysis in determining the severity of coronary artery disease [4] .In 2000, it was proposed that the observation of the therapeutic effect of statins should focus on LDL-C/HDL-C, rather than only the concentration changes of LDL-C and HDL-C paraments only [23] .Zhuchao found that when LDL-C/HDL-C ratio increased,the carotid plaque increased, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was a mojor risk factor on carotid plaque,especially in patients with dyslipidemia and diabetes [24] .…”

Optimized Sugar-Free Citrus Lemon Juice Fermentation Efficiency and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of the Fermented Juice

“…The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is reported to be a more valuable biomarker than LDL-C or HDL-C levels alone, especially for predicting the risk of multiple diseases. If the ratio is low, atherosclerosis risk factors are reduced [46][47][48]. Based on the experimental results obtained from the sugar-free fermentation method and fermentation cycle, the hypolipidemic effect of FLJ on the hyperlipidemic hamster model was investigated.…”