TRIGLYCERIDE TO HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL RATIO AND TRADITIONAL LIPID PROFILE FOR SCREENING SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Keywords:
Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, atherosclerosis, carotid intima media thicknessAbstract
Background: The lipid parameters have been linked to early atherosclerosis, increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), and arterial stiffness. The triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio may be a better predictor. Lipid ratios are underused in cardiovascular prevention. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) also predicted preclinical atherosclerosis change as measured by CIMT independently of cardiovascular risk factors, whereas the TG to HDL-C ratio independently predicted CIMT progression. Objective: To investigate the comparison between the TG to HDL-C ratio and traditional lipid profile with CIMT in low risk adult populations without overt cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: A total of 302 consecutive participants were enrolled and blood samples for serum levels of lipid profiles and the lipid ratio were calculated. The CIMT was measured by ultrasound B mode. The clinical status and anthropometrics were collected. Results: In the low risk population; the age was 47.18 ± 10.96 years and 49% (148/302) were female. The TG to HDL-C ratio was 2.84, the total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratio was 4.16, and the LDL-C to HDL-C ratio was 2.48. The TG to HDL-C ratio > 3.5 was 27.2%. The CIMT was positively correlated with the TG to HDL-C ratio (r = 0.13, p = 0.03), the TG to HDL-C ratio >3.5 correlation with the CIMT (r = 0.15, p<0.01), and the TG (r = 0.13, p = 0.02). The plasma levels of the TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C were not correlated to the CIMT. Carotid plaque was not associated with both the lipid ratios and lipid parameters. Conclusions: The TG to HDL-C ratio was positively more correlated with an early marker of atherosclerosis than a traditional individual plasma lipid level in the low risk population.
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