Association Between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Novel Lipid Parameters in Hypertensive Patients.

Introduction: Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) is a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. Dyslipidemia is a well-established risk factor for atherosclerosis and novel lipid parameters have recently emerged.

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the association between IMT and novel lipid parameters in hypertensive patients.

Methods: We analyzed the IMT of 848 hypertensive patients followed at the Hypertension Unit of San Gerardo Hospital (Monza, Italy). Classic (total, HDL, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) and novel indices (non-HDL/HDL, LDL/HDL, total cholesterol/HDL, log triglycerides/HDL and triglycerides-glycemia index) were measured and calculated.

Results: Univariable analyses showed a significant correlation between IMT and most lipid parameters. Multivariable linear regression with IMT as continuous dependent variable revealed a significant association with total cholesterol (β = 0.108, p = 0.001), LDL cholesterol (β = 0.119, p < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (β = 0.126, p < 0.001), non-HDL/HDL (β = 0.134, p < 0.001), LDL/HDL (β = 0.140, p < 0.001) and total cholesterol/HDL (β = 0.134, p < 0.001). Logistic multivariable regression with IMT categorized as ≥ or < 0.9 mm demonstrated a significant association with total cholesterol (OR = 1.100 per 10 mg/dL increase, p = 0.003), LDL cholesterol (OR = 1.130 per 10 mg/dL increase, p = 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (OR = 1.110 per each unit increase, p = 0.001), non-HDL/HDL (OR = 1.368 per each unit increase, p = 0.002), LDL/HDL (OR = 1.583 per each unit increase, p = 0.001) and total cholesterol/HDL (OR = 1.368 per each unit increase, p = 0.002).

Conclusions: Carotid IMT is significantly associated with various lipid parameters, with the strongest association observed for non-HDL/HDL, LDL/HDL and total cholesterol/HDL.