Arterial elasticity in population with different levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol

Abstract

Objective To investigate the arterial elasticity change in population with different levels of low density l ipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods A total of 315 persons, 175 males and 140 females, aged (51 ± 11 ) years old, who underwent physical examination in our hospital during January 2008 and December 2009, were classified into 4 groups according to the national cholesterol education program Ⅲ criteria: normal LDL-C group (C group, n=88, LDL-C: 2.63-3.41 mmol/L); supercritical LDL-C group (H1 group, n=37, LDL-C: 3.42-4.20 mmol/L); high LDL-C group (H2 group, n=69, LDL-C: 4.21-4.97 mmol/L);severe high LDL-C group (H3 group, n= 121, LDL-C ≥4.98 mmol/L). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and Anklebrachial index (ABI) were measured by arteriosclerosis measurement system to evaluate the elasticity. The difference in 4 groups was compared. Results PWV values in H2 and H3 groups were mildly elevated, with statistical difference compared with C and H1 groups whose PWV values were within normal range [H2 group:( 1623± 115) cm/s, H3 group: ( 1720± 100) cm/s, C group: ( 1288± 103) cm/s, H 1 group: ( 1266± 112) cm/s,P＜0.05]. ABI in all the groups was normal with no significant differences. Conclusion Early increased LDL- C may lead to mild reduction of artery elasticity. PWV may be helpful to detect early artery atherosclerosis. Key words: Lipoproteins, LDL; Cholesterol; Arterial elasticity; Pulse wave velocity; Ankle-brachial index