Effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on carotid artery geometry in a Mediterranean female population

1. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2004 Oct;11(5):403-7. Effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on carotid artery geometry in a Mediterranean female population. De Michele M, Iannuzzi A, Panico S, Celentano E, Sacchetti L, Mazzaccara C, Salvato A, Bond MG, Salvatore F, Rubba P. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy. BACKGROUND: Controversy remains on the relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: Over 5000 women living in the area of Naples, Southern Italy, were recruited for a prospective study on the etiology of cardiovascular disease in the female population (the 'Progetto ATENA' study). A sample of 310 participants underwent high-resolution B-mode ultrasound examination and the intima-media thickness and diameters of common carotid artery were measured. In addition to routine biochemical tests, these women also had oxidation markers determined. RESULTS: Women in the upper HDL-C quartile (HDL-C>1.89 mmol/L) had significantly lower body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio values, and triglycerides concentrations when compared with women in the first three quartiles. A linear negative association was found between HDL-C and carotid intima-media thickness (1.07+/-0.16 mm for the IV quartile versus 1.10+/-0.20 mm for the III quartile, 1.15+/-0.26 mm for the II quartile and 1.19+/-0.23 mm for the I quartile; P<0.01 by ANOVA). No difference was found between groups with regard to carotid diameters and oxidation markers. After adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, women in the highest quartile of HDL-C had a decreased risk of carotid intima-media thickening (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.23-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic middle-aged women, HDL-C levels were independently and negatively associated with preclinical atherosclerotic changes of the carotid artery wall. PMID: 15616413 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]