Association between small dense LDL and early atherosclerosis in a sample of menopausal women

Abstract

The association between small dense LDL particles and early atherosclerosis has been evaluated in a sample of middle-aged women.We analysed the relation between sd-LDL and common carotid intima media thickness in 228 menopausal women. LDL separation was performed by Lipoprint System: 7 LDL subfractions were obtained, mean LDL size and LDL score (% of sd-LDL) were calculated.Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between IMT (≥1.30mm) and mean LDL size after controlling for age (OR 7.80; 95% CI 1.47–41.39; p=0.016 for mean LDL particle size). IMT remained significantly related to mean LDL particle size after controlling for age and Apo B.In a subsequent multivariate analysis, after controlling for age, IMT (≥1.30mm) was significantly related to LDL score (OR 12.15; 95% CI 1.29–114.36; p=0.029 for LDL score), or age and Apo B (OR 10.13; 95% CI 1.07–95.71; p=0.043 for LDL score).Our results suggest an association between sd-LDL and IMT, independently of age and Apo B. This data may indicate that sd-LDL are markers of early carotid atherosclerosis, and suggest that measurement of sd-LDL-C gives useful information in the risk assessment for atherosclerotic disease in menopausal women.