Prevalence Of Low HDL-cholesterol Research Articles

Higher burden of cardiometabolic and socioeconomic risk factors in women with type 2 diabetes: an analysis of the Glycemic Reduction Approaches in Diabetes (GRADE) baseline cohort

IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), conferring a greater relative risk in women than men. We sought to examine sex differences in...

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Co-morbidity of hypertension and dyslipidemia are found to be high in type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients particularly with poor glycemic control. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its correlations with anthropometric and blood pressure variables among type-2 DM patients. The study was conducted on 314 type-2 DM patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from February 28 to May 30, 2017. Socio-demographic and other data was collected using interview-directed structured questionnaire. In addition, serum biochemical parameters determined after overnight fasting and dyslipidemia was defined based on United State National Cholesterol Education program-III criteria. Statistical analysis such as Chi-square, student’s t-test/ Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. The result showed that two hundred eight six (91.1%) participants had a minimum of one lipid parameter abnormal, which is well suited for the diagnosis of dyslipidemia. The prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol, high LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and TC (total cholesterol) were 60.8, 14.3, 70.4 and 32.8%, respectively. The mean values of TC, LDL-cholesterol and uric acid (UA) were significantly higher among patients with body max index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 when compared to those with BMI <25 kg/m2 (p<0.01 for all). In addition, TC and TG were significantly higher among patients with BP ≥130/85 mmHg when compared to those patients with BP <130/85 mmHg (p<0.001 for both parameters). Triglycerides was significantly correlated with BMI, UA and hypertension (r=0.326, 0.553 and 0.22), respectively. TC showed significant correlation with BMI, UA and fasting blood sugar (FBS) (r=0.326, 0.298 and 0.132), respectively. Moreover, LDL-cholesterol was significantly correlated with waist circumference, BMI and FBS (r=0.16, 0.189 and 0.173), respectively. In conclusion, dyslipidemia is significantly higher in diabetes patients and it correlated with BMI, WC, blood pressure and UA. Therefore, lipid profiles should be performed periodically through treatment follow-up and proper management of correlated factors is vital in order to limit risks of cardiovascular diseases. Key words: Anthropometric parameters, dyslipidemia, uric acid, hypertension, type-2 diabetes.

TCTAP A-019 Paradoxical Elevation of Cholesterol Efflux Capacity During Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young Heterogenous Asians

HDL cholesterol represents a robust and well-integrated biomarker of cardiovascular risk. The prevalence of low HDL cholesterol is high and likely to increase in coming years in parallel with the epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The notion of HDL functionality has circulated in the

Cardiovascular Health of Mothers in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014.

Background: Pregnancy and childrearing can impact women's health and alter chronic disease trajectories in later life, including cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to assess measures of women's cardiovascular health by time since last live birth. Materials and Methods: Data were from 4,021 nonpregnant U.S. women, 20-44 years of age, participating in the 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cardiovascular health was assessed using physical measures, laboratory measures, self-reported behaviors, medical conditions, and selected psychosocial factors by time since last live birth. Results: Women reported their last live birth within the past 12 months ("mothers of infants"; 7.4%), >12 months, but <3 years ago ("mothers of toddlers"; 10.0%), or ≥3 years ago ("mothers of older children"; 45.2%); 37.3% were nulliparous. Compared with nulliparous women, mothers of older children had a higher prevalence of selected cardiovascular risk factors, including unhealthy diet (75.6% vs. 68.8%) and smoking (28.1% vs. 21.9%), after adjustment for sociodemographics (including age). Mothers of toddlers had a higher prevalence of unhealthy diet (78.0% vs. 68.8%). Mothers also had poorer metabolic health as indicated by a higher prevalence of low HDL cholesterol among mothers of toddlers and older children (44.2% and 40.4%, respectively, vs. 33.6%), and a higher prevalence of high waist circumference among mothers of infants (65.6% vs. 53.8%). Some mothers also had a higher prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors, including low physical activity and poor sleep. Conclusion: Prior pregnancy and childrearing may be associated with selected cardiovascular risk factors among nonpregnant reproductive-aged U.S. women.

Data on prevalence of dyslipidemia and lipid values in Turkey: Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors

Dyslipidemias, primarily hypercholesterolemia, are independent and strong predictors of cardiovascular (CV) events. The frequency of dyslipidemia is very important in terms of determining CV prevention policies. In order to determine the up-to-date frequency of CV risk factors in Turkey, a meta-analysis of the epidemiologic studies carried out in the last 15 years was performed. This article presents the results on the dyslipidemia data including hypercholesterolemia principally. Epidemiological studies conducted during the last 15 years and having the potential to represent the general population in Turkey were searched in databases (Ovid Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, and Turkish Academic Network and Information Center [ULAKBIM]) and web pages (Ministry of Health, Turkey Statistical Institute, Turkish Society of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology Associations). A total of 7 studies including lipid data were found. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies with low bias score were performed. Crude values of the prevalence of hypercholeterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL and mean lipid levels were calculated. Random effects model was used in meta-analysis. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia defined as a LDLcholesterol >130 and/or ≥130 mg/dL, was 29.1% (95% CI 23.6-35.0) in the general population, 30.2% in females (%95 CI 24.7-36.1), and 27.8% in males (95% CI 22.3-33.6). The prevalence of low HDLcholesterol (≤50 mg/dL for females and ≤40 mg/dL for males) was calculated as 46.1% (95% CI 42.4-49.9) in the whole group, 50.7% (95% CI 47.7-53.6) in females and 41.1% (95% CI 36.1-46.3) in males. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (>150 mg/dL) was 36.5% (95% CI 30.6-42.5) in general, 32.0% (95% GA 26.6-37.8) in females and 41.3% (95% CI 34.9-47.8) in males. Dyslipidemia constitutes a major public health problem in Turkey. In the adult population, almost 3 of 10 have hypercholesterolemia, one of 2 has a low HDL-cholesterol, and 1 of 3 has high triglycerides levels.

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risk factors in university students.

A cross-sectional population-based study using questionnaire and anthropometric data was conducted on 968 university students of São Luís, Brazil, from which 590 showed up for blood collection. In the statistical analysis the Student t-test, Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome by the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria was 20.5%, almost three times more prevalent in men (32.2%) than in women (13.5%) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of insulin resistance was 7.3% and the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was high (61.2%), both with no statistically significant differences by sex. Men showed a higher percentage of smoking, overweight, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and increased fasting hypertriglyceridemia. Women were more sedentary. University students of private institutions had higher prevalences of sedentary lifestyle, obesity, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides and metabolic syndrome than students from public institutions. High prevalences of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risk factors were found in this young population. This suggests that the burden of these diseases in the future will be increased.

ERICA: prevalence of dyslipidemia in Brazilian adolescents.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To determine the distribution of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in Brazilian adolescents, as well as the prevalence of altered levels of such parameters.METHODS Data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) were used. This is a country-wide, school-based cross-sectional study that evaluated 12 to 17-year old adolescents living in cities with over 100,000 inhabitants. The average and distribution of plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were evaluated. Dyslipidemia was determined by levels of total cholesterol ≥ 170 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol < 45 mg/dL, or triglycerides ≥ 130 mg/dl. The data were analyzed by gender, age, and regions in Brazil.RESULTS We evaluated 38,069 adolescents – 59.9% of females, and 54.2% between 15 and 17 years. The average values found were: total cholesterol = 148.1 mg/dl (95%CI 147.1-149.1), HDL cholesterol = 47.3 mg/dl (95%CI 46.7-47.9), LDL cholesterol = 85.3 mg/dl (95%CI 84.5-86.1), and triglycerides = 77.8 mg/dl (95%CI 76.5-79.2). The female adolescents had higher average levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, without differences in the levels of triglycerides. We did not observe any significant differences between the average values among 12 to 14 and 15- to 17-year old adolescents. The most prevalent lipid alterations were low HDL cholesterol (46.8% [95%CI 44.8-48.9]), hypercholesterolemia (20.1% [95%CI 19.0-21.3]), and hypertriglyceridemia (7.8% [95%CI 7.1-8.6]). High LDL cholesterol was found in 3.5% (95%CI 3.2-4.0) of the adolescents. Prevalence of low HDL cholesterol was higher in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions.CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of Brazilian adolescents has alterations in their plasma lipids. The high prevalence of low HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia, especially in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions, must be analyzed in future studies, to support the creation of strategies for efficient interventions.

The High Prevalence of Low HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Dyslipidemia in Rural Populations in Northwestern China

BackgroundDyslipidemia is a major health problem in China and an important modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of dyslipidemia and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and associated risk factors among adults in rural northwest China.MethodsIn a cross-sectional analyses involving 2,980 adults aged >18 years, information on the demographics, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and medical history was collected via face-to-face interviews. Blood samples were collected to determine total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), and HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) levels.ResultsThe prevalence of high TC, high LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, and high TG were 1.0%, 0.6%, 60.9%, and 13.7%, respectively. TC, LDL-cholesterol, and TG increased with age in females. Elevated TC was more common in females than in males. The prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was 67.6% in males and 55.4% in females. Current smokers, those with less education, those who were overweight or obese, and those with large waist circumference were more likely to have low HDL-cholesterol (p<0.05). Multivariable regression showed that male gender showed an association with low HDL-cholesterol (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.68–2.61), age ≥60 years (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.99), BMI (BMI = 24–27.9, OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.04–1.54, p = 0.02 and BMI≥28, OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.10–2.20, p = 0.01) and enlarged waist circumference (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.51–2.92). Non-alcohol drinker was associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels (OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.53–0.99, p = 0.04).ConclusionsThis study found that the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was 67.6% and 55.4% for males and females. Male gender, non-alcohol drinker, BMI and central obesity were important risk factors for low HDL-cholesterol in Chinese adults.

The occurence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and the effect of selected dietary habits on the lipid profile and body mass index

In a group of 204 randomly selected patients hospitalized in the Cardiocentre Nitra, of which 63 were women (30.88%) and 141 men (69.12%), we evaluated the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and the impact of dietary habits on the lipid profile and body mass index (BMI). We have recorded a high prevalence of risk factors, especially overweight and obesity, where 87.3% of women and 92.91% of men had BMI ≥25. Normal weight was observed only in 12.70% of women and in 7.09% of men. In the study group up to 60.32% of women and 57.45% of men had blood pressure higher than ≥130/85 mmHg. More than half of the respondents were simultaneously overweighted or obese together with high blood pressure occurence. The total cholesterol level higher than 5.2 mmol/Ll was recorded in 41.24% of women and 34.75% of men. There was statistically significant difference between men and women (P &lt;0.05) in the prevalence of low HDL cholesterol to the detriment of men while the value below 1.3 mmol/L was recorded in 31.75% of women and the value lower than 1.1 mmol/L in 52.48 % of men. Values of triglycerides (TG) ≥1.7 mmol/L were recorded in 28.57% of women and in 35.42% of men. Fasting blood glucose levels ≥5.6 mmol/L were recorded in up to 68.25% of women and 71.63% of men. There was not statistically significant difference (P &gt;0.05) in the occurrence of increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and glycemia according to gender. We found out that most of the respondents consumed food 3-4 times per day, i.e. 53.97% of women and 60.99% of men. Food intake for five to six times a day was reported only by 28.57% of women and 19.15% of men. The number of daily meals was significantly reflected in the BMI values in men who consumed food 1-2 times a day compared to the men who ate 3-4 meals daily (P &lt;0.001). We detected lower BMI values in women with more frequent food consumption, however the difference was not statistically significant. While assessing the nutritional history, we have recorded frequent consumption of meat and meat products which are consumed by 49.21% of women and 60.28% of men (P &lt;0.001) more than four times a week, while more than 30% of women and men consume them daily. On the contrary, women consume fish more often, while 53.97% of women and 48.23% of men consume it 1 to 2 times a week. Although fruit and vegetable are part of daily diet of almost all patients, it is insufficient in portions of one or two pieces a day compared with dietary recommendations. We noticed significantly higher BMI (P &lt;0.05) in men who consume sweetened beverages, than men who consume mostly non-sweetened beverages.

Gender Disparity in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korea: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2012

Objectives: To evaluate gender specific characteristics in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and abnormalities in Korean population using the 2009 Joint Interim Statement of the International Diabetes Federation. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data based on the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). MetS prevalence was calculated for 5,935 Korean adults (≥ 20 years of age) by sex and age group. Incidence rates of five MetS risk factors were also assessed. Results: The prevalence of MetS among Koreans was 21.7% (22.9% for men, 20.6% for women). Elderly women after menopause had the highest prevalence of MetS and all five risk factors. Young and middle-aged men had higher prevalence and risk factors of MetS than similarly-aged women, but the rate of MetS in women surged significantly from age 50 and surpassed that of men thereafter. Women had a higher prevalence of low HDL cholesterol than men in all age groups. Of the five MetS risk factors, the prevalence of hypertension was highest (36.0%). About one-third of Korean have hypertension as a main risk factor. Conclusion: We observed a mounting gender disparity with age due to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in female. Preventive strategies including lifestyle interventions and health education about MetS need to be implemented pre-menopausal women and middle-aged men. Therapeutic strategies including drug intervention should be employed for elderly women. In 2012, more than one-fifth of Korean have MetS. These results indicate that MetS is an imperative public health issue that needs to be managed at the national level. Reducing the rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia will be critical to controlling MetS. This study provides not only the latest information but also target population and high risk factors for controlling MetS.

Exercise patterns and behaviour in Asian Indians: Data from the baseline survey of the Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program (D-CLIP)

AimsThis paper attempts to describe the patterns of exercise and the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise in an urban south Indian population. MethodsStudy participants were recruited from the baseline survey of the D-CLIP (Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program). Frequency, duration, type and location of exercise were assessed using a questionnaire, while a Likert type scale was used to assess perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D. ResultsOut of 1281 participants (63.7% males), 24.1% reported doing ≥150min of exercise/week (“exercisers”) compared to 75.9% “non-exercisers”. Exercisers were significantly older (47 vs. 43 years), better educated (68.8% vs. 60%), had a higher monthly income (41% vs. 29.2%), consumed more fruits (38.2% vs. 25.6%) and vegetables (84.1% vs. 77.7%) and had better perceived state of health (81.1% vs. 76.8%), compared to non-exercisers. Exercisers had significantly lower HOMA-IR, higher Matsuda index and lower prevalence of low HDL cholesterol compared to non-exercisers. However, there were no significant differences in cardio-metabolic risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and obesity between the two groups. Walking was the most common type of exercise. Both exercisers and non-exercisers perceived the benefits of exercising, but barriers weighed more heavily on exercise behaviour. ConclusionsUrgent steps are needed to improve overall exercise levels in India by addressing barriers and improving the quality of exercise performed so as to enhance overall metabolic health.

Instant Noodle Intake and Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Distinct Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Korea

The consumption of instant noodles is relatively high in Asian populations. It is unclear whether a higher intake of instant noodles is associated with cardiometabolic risk independent of overall dietary patterns. We therefore investigated the association using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV 2007–2009, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of the Korean population with a clustered, multistage, stratified, and rolling sampling design. A total of 10,711 adults (54.5% women) 19–64 y of age were analyzed, with adjustment for sampling design complexity. Diet was assessed by using a 63-item food-frequency questionnaire. We identified 2 major dietary patterns with the use of principal components analysis: the “traditional dietary pattern” (TP), rich in rice, fish, vegetables, fruit, and potatoes, and the “meat and fast-food pattern” (MP), with less rice intake but rich in meat, soda, fried food, and fast food including instant noodles. The highest MP quintile was associated with increased prevalence of abdominal obesity (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.90), LDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL (1.3 g/L) (OR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.26, 1.95), decreased prevalence of low HDL cholesterol (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.80), and high triglycerides [≥150 mg/dL (1.5 g/L); OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.93]. The highest quintile for the TP was associated with decreased prevalence of elevated blood pressure (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.90) and marginally lower trends for abdominal obesity (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.98; P-trend = 0.06), but neither of the dietary patterns was associated with prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The consumption of instant noodles ≥2 times/wk was associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.55) in women but not in men (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.49; P-interaction = 0.04). The 2 major dietary patterns were associated with distinct cardiometabolic risk factors. The consumption of instant noodles was associated with increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women, independent of major dietary patterns.

The Association of Resistin with Coronary Disease in the General Population

To explore the association between resistin expression and the incidence of ischemic heart disease in the general population. A follow-up study of 6636 adults recruited randomly from the general population. The serum resistin concentration was higher in women (6.1 ng/mL; CI95%=6.0-6.2) than in men (5.6 ng/mL; CI95%=5.5-5.7). Individuals in the 5th quintile or higher of resistin (RQ5) were younger (P＜0.001) and had a lower prevalence of arterial hypertension (P＜0.001), abdominal obesity (P＜0.001), diabetes (P＜0.001) and dyslipidemia (P＜0.001). The cardiovascular risk estimated by the Framingham function was also lower in the RQ5 subgroup (P＜0.001); however, the prevalence of smoking was higher (P＜0.001), as was the prevalence of low HDL cholesterol (P＜0.001). After 3.5 years of follow-up, the RQ5 subgroup had a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI, RR=1.9; CI95%=1.01-3.54). In the population without diabetes, the RQ5 subgroup had a higher risk of AMI (RR=2.4; CI95%=1.10-5.17), and the risk of AMI was highest in women in this group (4.97; CI95%=1.33-18.57). The risk levels were significant in the Cox models adjusted for age, sex and smoking; and the hazard ratio was 2.5 for AMI (CI95%=1.29-4.70) in the sample of patients matched by sex and smoking status. Resistin may be a risk marker for ischemic heart disease in the general population. The serum resistin concentration is higher in women, and the associated increase in the risk of AMI based on the resistin level is also higher in women than in men.

Colesterol HDL bajo: un factor lipídico asociado a índice tobillo brazo (ITB) patológico

Early intervention on cardiovascular risk factors is essential. To achieve this objective, effective and accessible tools for early diagnosis must be found. Prevention should begin in primary care. This study included 110 patients selected by random sampling of a primary care center: men older than 50 years and women older than 60 years at low or moderate coronary risk (1-20% according to Framingham tables). After comparing the distinct variables among patients with a pathological or normal ankle-brachial index (ABI), statistically significant differences (p = 0.047) were found in relation to the association of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and pathological ABI; the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in patients with a pathological ABI. Therefore, we conclude that calculation of the ABI to study subclinical atheromatosis in patients with low HDL-cholesterol levels is useful for early diagnosis.

A Very High Prevalence of Low HDL Cholesterol in Spanish Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in coronary artery disease have progressively declined, although high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has not always been evaluated. The prevalence and related factors of low HDL-C in a cohort of Spanish patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) were assessed. Clinical and laboratory data registered at admission and at discharge of 648 patients admitted to coronary care units of 6 Spanish hospitals for ACS between January 2004 and September 2007 were analyzed. Low HDL-C (HDL-C < 1.04 mmol/L) was observed in 367 (56.6%) patients. Male gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high body mass index, and triglycerides were related to low HDL-C. Female gender was the strongest protective factor against low HDL-C (0.619; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.410-0.934; P = 0.022), whereas high triglycerides (1.653; 95% CI: 1.323-2.064; P < 0.001) followed by previous ischemic disease (1.504; 95% CI: 1.073-2.110; P = 0.018) were the strongest factors associated with low HDL-C. One-third of patients were taking statins at admission, but only 2% were on fibrate therapy. A large increase in statin therapy, but not in other hypolipemiant drug therapy, between admission and discharge was noted in the whole cohort and among patients with low HDL-C. Spanish patients with ACS have a very high prevalence of low HDL-C. Male gender, high triglycerides, and previous ischemic disease are strong, independent factors associated with this disorder. As low HDL-C remains almost completely untreated in ACS, strategies to enhance the treatment of this lipoprotein abnormality are urgently required.

Trends for type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors in Mexico from 1993-2006

To describe the trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and other cardiovascular risk factors in three national health surveys (1993, 2000 and 2006). The databases of three surveys: ENEC 1993, ENSA 2000 and ENSANUT 2006 were gathered. Calculations of published data were reprocessed to do appropriate adjustments to assure comparability among surveys. From 1993 to 2006 the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (6.7-14.4%), metabolic syndrome (26.6-36.8%), hypertension (23.8-30.7%), hypercholesterolemia (27-43.6%), and high LDL-cholesterol (31.6-46%) increased rapidly. The prevalence of low HDL cholesterol was very high (60.5-63%) in all surveys and remained remarkably unchanged among surveys. This increasing trends for the prevalence of T2D and cardiovascular risk factors predicts larger increments in the near future for T2D and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Intensification of the preventive and remedy strategies is mandatory in order curve the foreseen dramatic increment in the disease burden.

Influence of body weight on the relationships of alcohol drinking with blood pressure and serum lipids in women

Objective To determine whether body weight influences the associations of habitual alcohol drinking with blood pressure and serum lipids in women. Methods The subjects were 16,805 healthy women at ages of 35–54 years, and data were collected at work places of the subjects in Yamagata Prefecture in Japan from April 1999 to March 2000. The subjects were divided into three tertile groups of body weight and were further divided into three subgroups by average ethanol intake [non-, light (< 15 g per day), and heavy (≥ 15 g per day) drinkers]. Results In the first and second tertile groups of body weight, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and prevalence of high systolic or diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in heavy drinkers than in non-drinkers, while these differences were not observed in the third tertile group of body weight. On the other hand, in all tertile groups of body weight, mean serum HDL and LDL cholesterol levels were higher and lower, respectively, in light and heavy drinkers than in non-drinkers, and prevalence of low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol was significantly lower in heavy drinkers than in non-drinkers. Conclusions The results suggest that body weight influences the association of alcohol drinking with blood pressure but not the associations of alcohol drinking with serum HDL and LDL cholesterol.

Colesterol HDL y enfermedad cardiovascular en una población con hipertensión y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Estudio RICARHD

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of low serum levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and its relationship with the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and arterial hypertension attended in Internal Medicine and Nephrology offices. MethodsCross-sectional, multicenter study, conducted in diabetic patients with hypertension, aged ≥ 55 years old. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data were obtained from the patient's hospital records. Low HDL-C was defined as <40 mg/dl (men) or <46 mg/dl (women). The relationship between low HDL-C and CVD was assessed using logistic regression models. ResultsIn 2,021 patients (mean age: 68.6 years, 48.9% women, 51.1% with established CVD), the prevalence of low HDL-C was 33.7% (95% CI: 31.5-35.7), it being higher in women (38.0%) than in men (29.6%, p<0.001), and higher in patients with previous CVD (37.3% vs. 29.9% in patients without CVD, p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis that included cardiovascular risk factors, an independent relationship between low HDL-C levels and CVD was observed (OR for CVD in patients with low HDL-C: 1.46 [CI 95%: 1.19-1.79, p<0.001]), compared to patients with normal HDL-C blood levels. A second model which was also adjusted for left ventricular hypertrophy and renal disease showed a similar association (OR 1.55 [1.21-2.00], p=0.001). This association was stronger in women than in men. ConclusionsOne out of three patients with diabetes and hypertension examined in Internal Medicine and Nephrology outpatient offices had low serum levels of HDL-C. Low HDL-C showed an independent relationship with a higher prevalence of CVD.

Prevalence of low HDL cholesterol, and relationship between serum HDL and cardiovascular disease in elderly Spanish population: the PREV-ICTUS study

To assess the prevalence of low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and the relationship between HDL-C and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an elderly Mediterranean population. Analysis of Prevención del Riesgo de Ictus, a population-based study on Spanish subjects aged > or = 60 years. Low HDL-C was defined following the European guidelines for cardiovascular prevention [men: < 40 mg/dl (< 1.0 mmol/l); women: < 46 mg/dl (< 1.2 mmol/l)]. The relationship between low HDL-C or HDL-C concentration (in quintiles) and CVD was assessed through multivariate models that included cardiovascular risk factors, statins and subclinical organ damage. On 6010 subjects (71.7 years, 53.5% women), low HDL-C was present in 17.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.5-18.5] and was more frequent in women [20.4% (19.0-21.8) vs. 14.1% (12.8-15.4) in men p < 0.001] and in patients with diabetes, CVD or statin therapy. Low HDL-C was independently associated with CVD [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22-1.74, p < 0.001]. The prevalence of CVD was higher as HDL-C concentration was lower (chi-square trend < 0.001). Compared with the highest quintile [> 65 mg/dl (> 1.67 mmol/l)], adjusted OR for CVD were 1.39 (1.10-1.76), 1.41 (1.11-1.80), 1.49 (1.18-1.89) and 1.91 (1.52-2.39), respectively for those in the fourth [57-65 mg/dl (1.46-1.67 mmol/l)], third [51-56 mg/dl (1.31-1.45 mmol/l)], second [46-50 mg/dl (1.18-1.30 mmol/l)] and first [< 46 mg/dl (< 1.18 mmol/l)] quintiles of HDL-C. This association was seen in males and females. A total of 17.5% of this Spanish population aged > or = 60 years had low HDL-C. We found a strong, independent and inverse association between HDL-C concentrations and established CVD, even at ranges of HDL-C considered as normal.

High prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol in a pan-European survey of 8545 dyslipidaemic patients

ABSTRACTObjective: Low HDL-cholesterol is a strong independent cardiovascular risk factor recognized as a therapeutic target in recent guidelines. The Pan-European Survey on HDL-cholesterol collected data on plasma lipid profiles from 8545 dyslipidaemic patients in the care of 1339 specialist physicians in 11 European countries. The main objective was to obtain a reliable estimation of the prevalence of low HDL (< 1.03 mmol/L [< 40 mg/dL] in men; < 1.29 mmol/L [< 50 mg/dL] in women).Research design and methods: Eligible patients were aged ≥ 18 years and had received diet and exercise plus pharmacologic lipid-modifying treatment for ≥ 3 months, or had serum cholesterol ≥ 5.18 mmol/L (≥ 200 mg/dL) and/or serum triglycerides ≥ 2.03 mmol/L (≥ 180 mg/dL) despite ≥ 3 months of diet and exercise.Results: The survey population was overweight (mean body mass index 29.0 kg/m2), with a high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle (68%), type 2 diabetes (45%), hypertension (72%) and coronary heart disease (45%). Lipid-modifying treatment, received by 85% of patients, included lifestyle modification (85%) and/or lipid-lowering drugs (85% received a statin). The prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol despite lipid-modifying treatment was 40% (women) and 33% (men). Very low HDL-cholesterol (< 0.90 mmol/L [< 35 mg/dL]) occurred in 14% of treated patients, with similar prevalence in the subgroup of patients not receiving such treatment. Hypertriglyceridaemia (> 1.69 mmol/L [> 150 mg/dL]) occurred in 57% of men not under lipid-modifying treatment and in 47% of men receiving such treatment; corresponding values in women were 48% and 43%. Both low HDL-cholesterol and hypertriglyceridaemia occurred in 26% of men and 27% of women who were not receiving lipid-modifying treatment and in 21% of men and 25% of women receiving lipid-modifying treatment.Conclusions: Low HDL-cholesterol and hypertriglyceridaemia are, therefore, common among European patients treated for dyslipidaemia. Clearly, physicians need to focus more of their attention on this major risk factor and to consider adequate treatment when indicated.