Low HDL Cholesterol Levels May
Impair Endothelial Function
Impaired endothelial function associated with
low HDL cholesterol may be an additional, unrecognized
mechanism contributing to the increased risk of
atherosclerosis.
The findings, published in the August 1st issue
of the American Journal of Cardiology, come from
Dr. Jeffrey T. Kuvin at Tufts-New England Medical
Center in Boston, and colleagues.
The researchers assessed the link between HDL
cholesterol levels and endothelial function in
151 subjects who were being evaluated for coronary
artery disease.
Total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels as well
as triglyceride levels were measured in all subjects.
Endothelial function was assessed by measuring
flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery
with ultrasound. Low FMD is indicative of impaired
vascular function.
Subjects with an HDL cholesterol level below 40
mg/dL had a significantly lower FMD than those
with higher levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore,
the HDL cholesterol level was directly related
to FMD and, on multivariate analysis, the former
was found to be an independent predictor of the
latter.
"These data suggest that impaired endothelial
function associated with low HDL cholesterol may
be an additional, previously unrecognized mechanism
contributing to the increased risk of atherosclerosis
in these patients," Dr. Kuvin's team concludes.
Am J Cardiol 2003;92:275-279.
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