Effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on carotid artery geometry in a Mediterranean female population.
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.
De Michele
Mario
M
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
Iannuzzi
Arcangelo
A
Panico
Salvatore
S
Celentano
Egidio
E
Sacchetti
Lucia
L
Mazzaccara
Cristina
C
Salvato
Amalia
A
Bond
M Gene
MG
Salvatore
Francesco
F
Rubba
Paolo
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL