Worsening lipid profile is associated with progression of carotid artery stenosis.
BACKGROUND
To determine if uncontrolled hypercholesterolaemia predisposes to progression of carotid artery stenosis.


METHODS
Fasting blood samples were collected from 76 patients referred for carotid duplex ultrasound for investigation of transient ischaemic attacks or recent stroke. Patients were grouped depending on the severity of the stenosis found. Patients on lipid lowering agents were excluded. The data were analysed using one way analysis of variance and the c2 test as appropriate.


RESULTS
There were more men in the 70-99% group (15 vs 6, c2 = 10.6, p < 0.001, Table I). The total cholesterol was raised in all three groups. Patients with carotid stenosis of 70-99% had significantly elevated triglycerides (2.4 mmol vs 1.47 mmol and 1.37 mmol, p < 0.003), low HDL (1.14 mmol vs 1.45 mmol and 1.18 mmol, p < 0.003) and a higher cholesterol/HDL ratio (5.56 vs 4.29 and 4.71, p < 0.014) compared with the other two groups. There was no difference in lipoprotein(a) in the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol seen in the 70-99% group suggest that a worsening lipid profile is associated with progression of carotid artery stenosis.
Rittoo
D
D
Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, NHS Trust, Selly Oak, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Cramb
R
R
Odogwu
S
S
Khaira
H
H
Duddy
M
M
Smith
S
S
Vohra
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000473:pathology*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D014280:Triglycerides