In a nutshell
This study examined whether diabetic patients with abnormal cholesterol levels have a higher risk of experiencing coronary heart disease.
Some background
Cholesterol may be considered ‘good’ (high density lipoprotein – HDL) or ‘bad’ (low density lipoprotein – LDL). An increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL cholesterol can result in fatty deposits building up in the walls of arteries, blocking blood flow.
Triglycerides are also a type of fat found in the blood. Unlike cholesterol, triglycerides are stored as excess calories in fat cells. A high intake of calories can result in a high triglyceride levels in the blood.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a thickening of the wall of the arteries located in the heart. This can lead to a reduction in the blood supply to the heart and, ultimately, a heart attack. Diabetic patients have an increased risk of CHD, but it is unclear what role abnormal cholesterol levels play in that risk.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether diabetic patients with low LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides have a higher risk of CHD.
This study involved 28318 diabetics who had low LDL cholesterol levels. Participants were divided into four groups. One group had normal HDL and normal triglycerides. One group had normal HDL and high triglycerides. Another group had low HDL and normal triglycerides. The remaining group had low HDL and high triglycerides.
The frequency of CHD was highest in the group that had low HDL and high triglycerides. Women with low HDL and high triglycerides had a 35% higher risk of CHD compared to those who had normal levels. Men with low HDL and high triglycerides had a 62% higher risk of CHD compared to those who had normal levels.
The bottom line
This study concluded that, even when LDL cholesterol is normal, low HDL and high triglycerides can increase the risk of CHD for diabetic patients.
The fine print
The authors did not determine whether the risk for CHD differed between type 1 or type 2 diabetics.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the strategies which can be taken to reduce your risk of CHD.
Published By :
The American journal of cardiology
Date :
Sep 10, 2015
