Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol/ High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration Ratio and Early Marker of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis
Porntip Nimkuntod MD*, Pattama Tongdee MD**
Affiliation : * School of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand ** School of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Background : Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and LDL-C/
HDL-C ratio is related to CIMT or carotid plaque. Evaluate early atherosclerosis markers whether elevated levels of the
LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is a more significant predictor than LDL-C or HDL-C alone.
Objective : To assess the correlation between early atherosclerosis markers using CIMT, carotid plaque, carotid plaque type
and LDL/HDL ratio surrogate maker and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio.
Material and Method: Cross sectional study. Aged 18-80 years in cardiovascular clinic, Suranaree University of Technology,
Thailand CIMT, carotid plaque and carotid plaque type were measured using a B-mode ultrasonography, ratio LDL/HDL,
Framingham risk score and traditional CVD risk factors (age, body mass index (BMI), Waist hip ratio (WHR), gender, total
cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C) were assessed in the entire population.
Results : Population of 302 subjects (154 (51%) male) mean age (47.17+10.95 years) was recruited. The mean CIMT 0.71
mm (min 0.46 mm and max 1.22 mm). CIMT correlated with WHR (p<0.01), SBP (p<0.01), total cholesterol (p = 0.032),
triglyceride (p<0.01) but not with LDL/HDL ratio, other traditional risk factors BMI, FBS, LDL-C and HDL-C. Carotid
plaque showed association only with triglyceride (p = 0.011). Carotid plaque type showed association with age (p<0.01), sex
(0.03), Framingham risk score (p = 0.03), WHR (p = 0.01) and SBP (p<0.01).
Conclusion : No association between early atherosclerosis CIMT carotid plaques, carotid plaque type with LDL/HDL ratio
identified, but closely associated with WHR.
Keywords : Carotid intima media thickness, Subclinical atherosclerosis, LDL/HDL ratio
