Nonoptimal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are highly prevalent in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes and well-controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
Received 8 December 2009; accepted 9 April 2010. published online 20 April 2010.
Background
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. For this study, nonoptimal HDL-C is defined as less than 40 mg/dL for male patients and less than 50 mg/dL for female patients. Even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-C goals are met, significant risk for subsequent cardiovascular events remains in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Objective
This study is a prospective, observational study to determine the prevalence of low HDL-C levels in 250 consecutive patients presenting with ACS who have well-controlled LDL-C levels.
Methods
This was an institutional review board-approved, prospective, observational study in which we evaluated consecutive patients admitted to the adult general cardiology service with a diagnosis of ACS.
Results
One hundred nine (44%) patients had LDL-C levels less than 100 mg/dL on admission. Of those patients, 90 (83%) had a nonoptimal HDL-C. Interestingly, a majority of patients, 94 (86%), had non-HDL-C levels at target. At discharge, approximately one half of eligible patients were started on therapy to increase their HDL-C levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nonoptimal HDL-C levels are highly prevalent in patients presenting with ACS and reasonably controlled LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels.
aDivision of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Preventive Cardiology Center, Vascular Function Study Group, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Box 80, Boston, MA 02111, USA
bDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, USA
ABSTRACT